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Safety
Plan
for Domestic Violence Situations
Whether you are
ready to leave a domestic violence situation or not, it is important
to have plans in place to ensure your safety. Follow these guidelines
to prepare for a number of different situations.
SAFETY
DURING AN EXPLOSIVE INCIDENT
-
If
you can see an argument coming (often you can't), go to
an area that has access to an exit. Avoid bathrooms (hard
surfaces), kitchens (knives), or any place near weapons.
- Try to stay in
a room with a phone so you can call 911, a friend, or a neighbor.
- If weapons are in
the home, inform law enforcement.
- Practice how to get
out of your home safely. Visualize your escape route. Identify
the best doors, windows, elevators, or stairwells.
- Have a packed
bag ready with important documents (see “items to take with you when you leave” section below) and items.
- Ask a neighbor to
call the police if they hear a disturbance coming from your home.
- Devise a code
word to use with your children, grandchildren, and others
to communicate that you need the police.
- Decide and plan
where you will go if you have to leave home (even if you don't
think you will need to).
- Trust your instinct
and judgement. If a situation is very dangerous, consider
any action that might calm things down. This can give you time
to assess what to do next.
-
Open
a savings account in your own name to start to establish
or increase your independence. Consider direct deposit of
your paycheck or benefit check.
-
Leave
money, an extra set of keys, copies of important documents,
and extra clothes with someone you trust so you
can leave quickly.
- Collect any medications
and prescriptions, plus glasses, hearing aids, or other assistive
devices you may need.
- Determine who
would be able to let you stay with them or lend you money.
- Keep the telephone
number of a domestic violence program close at hand (1-801-444-9161).
Memorize it.
- Keep a mobile
phone, telephone
calling card, or some change with you at all times for emergency
calls.
- Review your safety
plan as often as possible.
RETURN
TO TOP
SAFETY
IN PUBLIC
(at school, on the job, or during social or recreational
events)
-
Decide
who you will inform of your situtation.
This could include your school, office, building security,
or church. Provide a photo of your abuser if possible.
- Arrange to have someone
screen your telephone calls.
- Have someone escort
you to your
car, or to a bus or taxi.
- Park your car
in a lighted, visible area.
- Use a variety
of routes to go home. Think about what you would do if something
happened while traveling home.
SAFETY
IN YOUR OWN HOME
(if abuser does not live with you)
-
Change
the locks
on your doors as soon as possible. Buy additional locks and
safety devices to secure your windows. Consider installing
or increasing your outdoor lighting.
- If you have young
children, grandchildren, or other dependents living with you,
discuss a safety plan for when you are not with them. Inform
their school, day care, etc. about who has permission to pick
them up.
- Inform neighbors
and/or your landlord that your abuser no longer lives with
you and that they should call the police if they see your abuser
near your home.
-
Keep
your protective order with you at all times.
Memorize your case number—it is easier for law enforcement
to locate rather than last names. If your protective order
is lost or destroyed, individuals in Davis County can call
the County Attorney's Office for help at (801)451-4300.
- Call the police
if your abuser violates the conditions of the order.
- Think of alternative
ways to keep safe in case the police are not able to respond
right away.
- Inform family,
friends, teachers, and neighbors that you have a protective
order in effect. Provide a certified copy to caretakers of children
who are also protected.
SAFETY
AND YOUR EMOTIONAL HEALTH
-
If
you are thinking of returning to a potentially abusive situation,
discuss an alternative plan with someone you trust.
- If you have to communicate
with your abuser, arrange to do so in the way that makes you
feel safest, whether by phone, mail, in the company of another
person, etc.
- Decide who you
can talk to freely and openly, and who can give you the support
you need. Consider calling a domestic violence support line (1-801-444-9161).
All calls are confidential and you don't have to give your name.
- Plan to attend a
support group to gain support from others
and learn more about yourself and your relationship with your
abuser.
-
Driver's
license or other form of I.D.
-
Your
and your family members' birth certificates.
- Money, bank books,
checkbooks, credit cards, ATM cards, and mortgage payment information.
- Important documents,
such as Social Security cards, work permits, green cards, and
passports.
- Divorce and custody
papers.
- Insurance papers
and medical records.
- Copies of your lease,
rental agreement, and/or house deed.
- Keys to house/car/office.
- Medications, glasses,
hearing aids, and other assistive devices needed for you and your
children or other dependents.
- Personal items such
as address book, pictures, jewelry, and items of sentimental value
for you and your children or other dependents.
RETURN
TO TOP
Adapted
from the Safety Plan developed by the Wisconsin Coalition Against
Domestic Violence.
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