SAFETY PLAN

1. Every individual in an abusive relationship needs a safety plan.

In developing your safety plan, you should individualize it, taking into account:

• Age
• Marital status
• Whether children are involved
• Geographic location
• And resources available

2. Think about all possible escape routes:

• Doors
• First-floor windows
• Basement exists
• Elevators
• Stairwells
• Rehearse if possible

3. Choose a place to go:

• To the home of a friend or relative who will offer unconditional support
• Or a motel, hotel, or shelter
• Most importantly, somewhere you will feel safe

4. Pack a survival kit:

• Money for cab fare
• A change of clothes
• Extra house and car keys
• Birth certificates
• Passports and green cards
• Medications and copies of prescriptions
• Insurance information
• Checkbook and credit cards
• Legal documents such as separation agreements and protective orders
• Address books and valuable jewelry
• Papers that show jointly owned assets
• Police records
• Conceal it in the home, or leave it with a trusted neighbor, relative or friend
• Important Papers can also be left in a bank deposit box

5. Start an Individual Savings account

• Have statements sent to a trusted relative or friend.

6. Avoid arguments in certain areas

• Avoid arguments with the abuser in areas with potential weapons.
• Kitchen, garage, or in small spaces without an outside door.

7. Contact the Domestic Violence Hotline
Know the telephone number of the domestic violence hotline

• (920) 674-6768 or (800) 228-7232 for
  People Against Domestic & Sexual Abuse
• (800) 799-SAFE (7233) for
  National Domestic Violence Hotline
• Contact it for information on resources and legal rights

8. Review the Safety Plan monthly

• Review the safety plan

Adapted From the Fund for the City of New York web site.