LINKS

Cannelton Police Department Comfort House (Sexual Assault Treatment and Child Advocacy Center) Criminal Justice Institute Crisis Connection Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Indiana Department of Correction National Center for Victims of Crime

Safety Plan

Safety During an Explosive Incident
If an argument seems unavoidable, move to a room with easy access to an exit – NOT a bathroom, kitchen or anywhere near weapons.

Identify which door, window, stairwell or elevator offers the quickest way out of your home – and practice your route.

Find neighbors you can tell about the violence and ask that they call the police if they hear a disturbance.

Devise a code word to use with your children, family and friends when you need the police.

Decide a plan for where you will go if you have to leave home, even if you don’t think you will need to.

Use your own best instincts and judgment. Think of how best to keep safe until help arrives. If the situation is very dangerous, consider giving your abuser what he wants to calm him down. You have the right to keep yourself safe until you are out of danger.

Safety at Home
Change the locks and install safety devices on windows.

Develop a safety plan and discuss it with your children. Review the plan as often as possible.

Make sure your children’s school, day care center or camp knows who has permission to pick up your children.

Tell your neighbors and landlord that your partner no longer lives there, and ask them to call the police if they see that person near your home.

Before you get back into a potentially abusive relationship discuss alternatives with someone you trust.

Safety in Public or at Work
If you have a protective order, keep it with you at all times. Call the Police if the abuser violates the protective order.

Inform building security and co-workers you trust about your situation. If possible, provide a photograph of the abuser to building security.

Vary your routes to and from work and arrange for someone to escort you to your car or bus and wait with you until you are safely on your way.

Plan what to do in various situations if your abuser confronts you (for example, in your car or on the bus).

Safety When Preparing To Leave
Determine who will be able to let you stay with them or lend you some money.

Have a bag packed and ready. Keep it hidden but easy to get to – for instance, at the house of a trusted friend or relative.

Leave money, an extra set of keys, copies of important documents, extra medicines and clothes with someone you trust so that you can leave quickly. (See the checklist below of items to take with you.)

Get information about protective orders from your local police, victim assistance or court.

Call any battered women’s hotline. They can help you with support, information and housing.

Remember – Leaving your batterer is the most dangerous time. Review your safety plan as often as necessary, so you know the safest way to leave.

What to take when you leave

Identification

1. Driver’s License
2. Birth Certificates for you and your children
3. Social Security Cards
4. Public Assistance Identification
5. Work Permits, Green Card, Passport, Visa

Legal

1. YOUR PROTECTIVE ORDER
2. Lease, Rental Agreement, House Deed
3. Car Registration and Insurance Papers
4. Health and Life Insurance Papers
5. Medical Records for you and your Children
6. School Records
7. Divorce and Custody Papers

Financial

1. Money and/or Credit Cards
2. Checkbooks and Passbooks

Other

1. House and Car Keys
2. Medications
3. Jewelry/Objects you Can Sell
4. Address Book
5. Phone Card
6. Pictures of you, your Children and your Abuser
7. Change of Clothes for you and your Children