Safety Planning

Personal safety is a priority for all the victims in the home, including the children. While developing a safety plan, there are two decisions to consider*:        ~ The decision to stay        ~ The decision to leave

     If the decision is to stay . . .

• Plan for emergencies that may occur.
• Think of a safe place to go if an argument occurs. Avoid rooms with no
  exits (bathrooms) or rooms with weapons (kitchen).
• Communicate with child(ren) about safe areas in the house, running to
  a neighbor, calling for help, and staying away from the abuser.
• Reassure the children that their job is to stay safe, not to protect the
  victim.
• Be aware that current technology allows an abuser to use phone redial,
  caller ID, and numerous other codes to trace incoming and outgoing
  phone calls.
• Communicate with family members, friends, and co-workers. Develop
  a support system.
• Call the police if there is danger.
• Consider gathering and packing items for an "escape bag." This will
  allow for a quick escape if the situation escalates. This bag may
  include: spare keys, spare change, copies of important papers (birth
  certificates, Social Security cards, driver's license, and important
  phone numbers), change of clothes, and items needed for babies or
  children. Consider having a friend or family member keep this for you.
  
  

  If the decision is to leave . . .

• Be prepared. The decision to leave may increase the danger level of an
  abusive situation.
• Call the police if there is danger.
• Pack an "escape bag" and include items that could not be previously
  packed (medications, checkbook, glasses).
• Communicate with the children about the immediate situation.
• Remember that the children are just as afraid as the adult victim.
  Vary any routines to school, work, shopping, and friends' or relatives'
  homes, places of worship, and weekend activities.
• Keep in mind the abuser may be looking for the family.

         When I leave, I should have: 

• Identification for myself 
• Children's birth certificates
• My birth certificate
• Social security cards
• School and vaccination records
• Money
• Checkbook, ATM (Automatic Tellers Machine) card
• Credit cards
• Keys - house/car/office
• Driver's license and registration
• Medication
• Welfare identification, work permits,
• Green card   Passport(s), Divorce papers
• Medical records - for all family members
• Lease/rental agreement, house deed, mortgage payment book
• Bank books, Insurance papers
• Small saleable objects
• Address book
• Pictures, jewelry
• Children's favorite toys and/or blankets
• Items of special sentimental value

More Information and help at The Spring