IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, CALL 911 FOR HELP
If you are being abused, consider following these safety plan tips:
- During an argument, or if you feel tension building, avoid areas in your home where weapons might be available – the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or workshops.
- If there are weapons in your household such as firearms – lock them up!
- Know where there is a safe exit from your home – a window, elevator or stairwell.
- Discuss the situation with a trusted neighbor if you can. Ask them to call 911 if they hear a disturbance. Find a code word to use with them if you need the police.
- Always keep a packed bag ready.
- Know where you would go to be safe if you have to leave, even if you don’t really think you need to.
Remember that no one ever deserves to be abused. It is not your fault!
Steps to take if you are planning to leave your abusive situation:
- Open a bank account in your own name.
- Give an extra set of keys, copies of important documents, extra clothes and some money to a trusted friend or neighbor in case you have to leave quickly.
- Think about who your best resources are if you need to find shelter or money.
- Have cell phone or change on hand to make emergency calls.
Remember that your safety and that of your children should always come first.
Additional steps you can take once you have left your abusive situation:
- Keep your Order of Protection with you at all times.
- Give photocopies of your Order of Protection to your children’s school, your employer, your neighbors, as well as your local police department.
- Change the locks on your doors.
- Discuss safety plans with your children.
- Inform children’s school about who has permission to pick up your children.
- Ask neighbors to call the police if they see your abuser nearby. Show your neighbors a photo of the abuser and tell them about your Order of Protection.
- Ask someone to screen your telephone calls at home and at work.
- Have someone escort you to your car or walk with other people if possible.
- If communication is necessary between you and your partner, meet in public places or have a third party make contact and relay messages.
- Talk with people who can provide you with support on domestic violence issues.
ALWAYS CALL THE POLICE IF YOU ARE CONCERNED FOR YOUR SAFETY!
Things to take with you:
Identification:
- Birth certificate(s)
- Driver’s License/ Military ID
- Social Security Card(s)
- Passport(s)
- Insurance documents
Legal Papers:
- Copy of your Order of Protection
- Car registration/insurance papers
- Copy of lease/ deed to home
- Medical and school records
- Separation/custody papers
- Power of attorney/will
Financial:
- Money/credit cards
- Checkbooks, bankbooks
- Savings bonds
- Food stamps
Other:
- Medications, prescriptions
- Keys to home and vehicles
- Address book/telephone cards
- Clothes
For more information, please contact the 24-hour Help Line
(847) 249-4450
1-800-600-SAFE (7233)
info@asafeplaceforhelp.org