SAFETY PLANNING: WHEN VIOLENCE HITS HOME

BE PREPARED TO GET AWAY: 

1. Keep a spare set of keys, a set of clothes, important papers, prescriptions, and money with someone you trust.
2. Keep any evidence of physical abuse (ripped clothes, photos of bruises and injuries, etc.)
3. Plan the safest time to get away.
4. Know where you can go for help, tell someone what is happening to you. Have the phone numbers of friends, relatives and domestic violence programs with you.
5. Call the police if you are in danger and need help.
6. If you are injured, go to the hospital emergency room or doctor and report what happened to you, ask that they document your visit.
7. Plan with your children and identify a safe place for them; a room with a lock or a neighbor's house where they can go for help. Reassure them their job is to stay safe, not protect you.
8. Arrange a signal with a neighbor, e.g., if the porch light is on call the police.

 If you are looking for immediate help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.7233