Always remember to call 9-1-1

If an argument seems unavoidable, try to have it in room or area that has access to an exit and not the bathroom, kitchen or anywhere near weapons.

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

Have a packed bag ready and keept it in a secret but accessible place in order to leave quickly.

Identify a neighbor you can tell about the violence and ask that they call the police if they hear a disturbance coming from your home.

Decide and plan for where you will go if you have to leave home.

If the situation is dangerous, use your own instincts and judgement to keep yourself safe. Call the police as soon as it is safe to do so.

Determine where you could stay and who would lend you money.

Always try to take your children with you or make arrangements to leave them with someone safe.

Open a savings account in your own name to start to establish or increase your independence. Think of other ways in which you can increase your independence.

Keep the shelter number close at hand and keep change or a calling card with you at all times.

Review your safet plan with a domestic violence advocate in order to plan the safest way for you leave your batterer.

Inform neighbors and your landlord tht your partner no longer lives with you and they should call the police if the see your batterer near your home.

Rehearse a safety plan with your children for when you are not with them.

Inform you children's school or day care about who has permission to pick up the children.

Change/add loccks on your doors and windows as soon as possible.

Add a peephole and increase outdoor lighting if possible. Try to borrow a portable or cellular phone.

Change your telephone number.

Keep your restraining order with you at all times. Leave extra copies at work, with a friend, in your car, etc.

Call the police if your batterer violats the protective order.

Think of alternate ways to keep safe, if the police do not responde accordingly.

Inform family, friends and neighbors that you have a restraining order in effect.

Try to avoid places where your batter may go.

Decide who at work you will inform of your situation. This should include office and building security.

Try to arrange to have someone screen your telephone calls.

Devise a safety plan for when you leave work. Have someone escort you to you car, bus or train. Use a variety of routs to go home if possible. Think about what you would do if something happened while going home.

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

If you have to communicate with your batterer, determine the safest way to do so.

Have positive thoughts about yourself and be assertive with others about your needs.

Plan to attend a support group to gain support from others and learn about yourself and the relationship.

Decide who you can call to give you the support you need.

Read, books, articles, and poetry to help you feel stronger.

___Address Book	___Passport
___BankBook	___Medications
___Checkbooks	___Money
___Birth Certificates	___Pets (if you can)
___Car Title & Registration	___Pictures
___Immigration Papers	___Restraining Order
___Keys: House & Car	___School Records
___Identification	___Social Security Card(s)
___Insurance Papers	___Welfare Identification
___Jewlery	___Work Permits
___Lease/House Deed	___Marriage Certificate