Safety Plan

• Always have in mind an escape route
• Keep money and keys ready or know where an extra set is hidden outside the home
• Use a code word with your children to go for help
• Stay out of the bathroom, kitchen, garage or weapons areas
• Start a secret savings account
• Always have change for a phone call
• Know where you can go to be safe
• Know where the women's shelter is
• Change doors and window locks
• Install security lights
• Inform neighbors of the danger
• Obtain a Protective Order or Civil Stalking Injunction and keep it with you
• Report every violation of Protective Order or Civil Stalking Injunction
• Inform your employer of the danger
• Get a dog
• Learn to hang up the phone and close doors on abusive persons
• If followed, drive to the police station
• Use different banks, stores, etc. than your abuser will be aware of
• Have someone you can talk to about emotional needs
• Attend a workshop or support group
• Go to counseling
• Know what appeals to you in the relationship so you can guard against returning to the abuse