Safety Planning

If you are planning to leave, have the following items hidden in a place where your partner cannot find them:

• $75 or more in cash

• A small bag with extra clothes

• Bank account numbers

• Checkbook

• Your and your children’s Social Security cards

• Partner’s Social Security number

• Partner’s date of birth, workplace and telephone number

• Insurance policies

• Marriage license

• Birth certificates and passports for you and your child/children

• List of important phone numbers

• Sentimental valuables and photos

• Extra keys for home and/or car

• Medications

• Any documentation of past incidents of abuse (photos, police reports, medical records, etc)

• Proof of income for yourself or your partner (pay stubs, W2s)

If you are still in the relationship:

• Think of a safe place to go if an argument occurs – avoid rooms with no exits (bathroom), or rooms with weapons (kitchen)

• Think about and make a list of safe people to contact

• Memorize all important numbers

• Establish a “code word” or “sign” so that family, friends, teachers or co-workers know when to call for help

• Think about what you will say to your partner if he/she becomes violent

If you have left the relationship:

• Change your phone number

• Screen calls

• Save and document all contacts, messages, injuries or other incidents involving the abuser

• Change locks, if the abuser has a key

• Avoid staying alone

• Plan how to get away if confronted by an abusive partner

• If you must meet your partner, do it in a public place

• Vary your routine

• Notify school and work contacts

• Call a domestic/sexual violence shelter