A safety plan is designed to help keep the woman and children as safe as possible. Before the partner becomes violent, the following things might be considered.
- There is are 24 hour hotlines available. Consult your local telephone directory or call a crisis line. The hotline offers support for victims and loved ones, discussion of options available, and offer referrals to the nearest local domestic violence shelter or program.
- Try no to let the batterer trap you in a kitchen (too many potential weapons) or the bathroom (no space to dodge blows and too many hard surfaces to be pushed or knocked against). Stay out of a room or area where there are known weapons such as guns. Do NOT attempt to threaten him with a weapon -- it can easily be turned against you.
- Think through all possible escape routes -- not only doors, but first floor or basement windows you might go through. If you feel an attack may be about to begin, make your exit before it starts. Try not to leave without your children.
- Think through now, before the attack, just where you will go. Can you run to a neighbor's house or work out a signal so that the neighbor calls the police? Will it be a safe place? If you have no safe friends or family, consider the local shelter. At the very least, go to a public place such as McDonalds, the library, a hospital lobby or a shopping center. If he should follow you, go to the closest police or fire station -- know where they are located.
- If you sense that the violence might escalate, can you leave for a few days? Do you have a place to go and the phone numbers for shelters?
- Before the abusive incident, get an extra car key made and hide it in or on the car. You cn purchase a magnetic key holder at stores for about a dollar. The, should you be able to leave the house during an attack, you will have the means to drive to safety. Hiding a little extra money in the glove compartment for phone calls would be a help.
- Pack an extra set of clothes and shoes for yourself and children. Include diapers, toilet articles, and a bit of spare change. Store these with a neighbor, friend or a church if you are not planning to leave immediately.
- Gather important documents you might need such as birth certificates and social security numbers, marriage licenses, medical insurance information, family and friend's phone numbers, children's school records and immunizations, and other information you might feel necessary.
- Treat financial records in the same way as important documents. Take with you rent, mortgage, and utility receipts; checking and savings account books; credit cards; account numbers; and significant canceled checks. Keep an extra blank check with your extra clothes.
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