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Developing A
Safety Plan
Create a checklist
In order for victims to leave an abusive situation, it is important for them
to be aware of certain safety issues. It is helpful to draw up a step-by-step
plan which will enable them to get out without harm. The following is a
checklist you of things you can do to ensure your own safety, or that of a loved
one.
If you had the perpetrator evicted or are living alone, you may want to:
Change locks on doors and windows.
Install a better security system -- window bars, locks, better lighting, smoke
detectors and fire extinguishers.
Teach the children to call the police or family and friends if they are
snatched.
Talk to schools and childcare providers about who has permission to pick up the
children.
Find a lawyer knowledgeable about family violence to explore custody,
access
and divorce provisions that protect you and your children.
(Call
us on 0141 test test)
Obtain a court order to protect yourself.
If you are leaving your abuser, ask yourself the following
questions:
 | How and when can you most safely
leave? Where will you go? |
| Are you comfortable calling the
police if you need them? |
| Who can you trust to tell that you
are leaving? |
| How will you travel safely to and
from work or school or to pick up children? |
| What community and legal resources
will help you feel safer? Write down their addresses and phone
numbers, and keep them handy. |
| Do you know the number of the
local Woman's Aid shelter? |
| What custody and visit provisions
will keep you and your children safe? |
| Is a court order a viable option? |
If you are staying with your abuser, think about:
| What works best to keep you safe
in an emergency. |
| Who you can call in a crisis. |
| If you would call the police if
the violence starts again. Can you work out a signal with the
children or the neighbors to call the police when you need
help? |
| If you need to flee temporarily,
where would you go? Think of several places where you can go
in a crisis. Write down the addresses and phone numbers, and
keep them with you. |
| If you need to flee your home,
know the escape routes in advance. |
Have the following available in case you have to flee:
Birth certificate
Social Security documents
Marriage certificate
Driving licence
Car Reg istration
Documents
Lease or mortgage papers
Passport
Insurance information
School and health records
Welfare and immigration documents
Divorce or other court documents
Credit cards, bank account number, and ATM cards
Some money
An extra set of keys
Medications and prescriptions
Clothing and comfort items for you and the children
Important phone numbers:
Family ________________________________________
Friends _______________________________________
Doctor ________________________________________
Lawyer ________________________________________
Shelter _______________________________________
Hotline _______________________________________
Remember, you cannot stop your partner's abuse, but you can
find help and support for yourself.
You are not alone! No one deserves to be abused. |
