A Personal Safety plan for domestic Violence Victims

I. SAFETY DURING AN EXPLOSIVE INCIDENT

If you are in danger call "911"

A. If an argument seems unavoidable, try to have it in a room or area where you have access to an exit. Try to stay away from rooms that might have weapons in them, such a the kitchen etc...

B. Practice how to get out of your home safely. Identify which doors, windows, or stairwell would be best.

C. Have a packed bag ready and keep it at a relative or friends home in order to leave quickly.

D. Identify one of more neighbors you can tell about the violence and ask that they call the police if they hear a disturbance coming from your home.

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

F. Decide and plan on where you will go if you have to leave (even if you don't think you will need to).

G. Use your own instinct and judgment. If the situation is very dangerous, consider giving the abuser any thing he wants to calm him or her down.
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO PROTECT YOURSELF.

H. ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU DON'T DESERVE TO BE HIT OR THREATENED

II. SAFETY WHEN PREPARING TO LEAVE

A. Open a saving account and / or a credit card in your own name to establish or increase your independents.

B. Leave money and extra set of keys, copies of important documents, extra medicine and clothes with someone you can trust so you can leave quickly.

C. Determine who would let you stay with them, or lend you some money.

D. Keep the shelter or hotline phone number close at hand (830-372-2780), and keep change or a calling card at all times for emergency phone calls.

E. Review your safety plan as often as possible in order to plan the safest way to leave you batterer.

REMEMBER LEAVING YOUR BATTERER IS THE MOST DANGEROUS TIME.

III. SAFETY IN YOUR OWN HOME

A. Change the locks on your doors as soon as possible. Buy additional locks and safety devices to secure your windows.

B. discuss a safety plan with you children for when you are not with them.

C. Inform your child's school, daycare, etc. about who has permission to pick up your children.

D. Inform you neighbors and landlords that your partner no longer lives with you, and that they should call the police if the see him near your home.

E. Teach your children to never get in the middle of a fight or argument and show them how to dial "911" and what to say (name, address)

Part IV Safety With a Protective Order

A. Keep you protective order on you at all times. When you change your purse that should be the first thing that goes in it. Give copies to a trusted neighbor and family members.

B. Call the police if your partner breaks the protective order.

C. Think of alternative ways to keep safe if the police do not respond right away.

D. Inform family, friends, neighbors, and your physician that you have a protective order in effect

Part V Safety on the Job and in Public

A. Decide whom at work you will inform of your situation. This should include office or building security. Provide a picture of your batterer if possible.

B. Arrange to have an answering machine, caller ID or a trusted friend or relative screen your telephone calls if possible.

C. Devise a safety plan for when you leave work. Have someone escort you to your car of bus and have them wait with you until you are safely en route. Use a variety of routes to go home by if possible. Think of what you would do if something happened while going home.

D. Change the routes you drive to and from work.

E. Change the bank that you use, shopping center and other places that you frequent.

F. Keep a copy of the protective order with you at all times.

Part VI Your Safety and Emotional Health

A. If you think of returning to a potentially abusive situation, discuss an alternative plan with someone you trust.

B. If you have to communicate with your partner, determine the safest way and place to do so.

C. Have positive thoughts about yourself, and be assertive with others about your needs. Read books articles, and poems to help you feel stronger.

D. Decide whom you can call to talk freely and openly to give you the support you need.

E. Plan to attend a woman's or victims' support group for at least two weeks to gain support from others and learn more about yourself and your relationship

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