Safety Information
Safety When Preparing To Leave
- Determine who would let you stay with them or lend you some money.
- Always try to take your children with you or make arrangements to leave them with someone safe.
- Leave money, an extra set of keys, copies of important documents, and extra clothes with someone that you trust.
- Open a savings account in your name to begin establishing or increasing your independence. Be sure that the banking statements are mailed directly to a trusted friend or family member. Think of other ways in which you can increase your independence.
- Keep the shelter numbers close at hand and keep change or a calling card with you at all times.
F. Reveiw your safety plan with a domestic violence advocate in order to plan the safest way to leave your batterer.
ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT YOU HAVE THE RIGHT NOT TO BE ABUSED IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP - PHYSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY OR SEXUALLY!
Safety With a Restraining Order
- Keep your restraining order with you at all times. Leave extra copies at work, with a friend, in a car, etc.
- Call the police if your partner breaks the protective order, even if only by phone.
- Think of alternative ways to keep safe if the police do not respond right away.
- Inform family, friends and neighbors that you have a restraining order in effect.
E. Try to avoid places in the community where your batterer may frequent.
