In Relationship
Safety measures while in the relationship:
- Have important phone numbers memorized.
- If children are older discuss the plan with them.
- If children are younger teach them to dial 911.
- Keep a pre-paid phone card or a charged cell phone with you at all times.
- If you can, open your own bank account.
- Stay in touch with friends; get to know your neighbors. Resist the temptation to cut yourself off from people.
- Rehearse your escape plan until you know it by heart.
- Leave a set a car keys, extra money, a change of clothes and copies of important documents in a safe place or with a trusted friend.
Important Documents
Examples of important papers:
- Your and your children's birth certificate.
- Your social security card.
- Your children's school and medical records.
- Bank Book
- Welfare ID
- Passports
- Lease agreement or mortgage
- Insurance papers
- Extra prescription medication
- Evidence of abuse (photos, journals, police reports)
After Relationship
Safety measures after the relationship:
- If you're still in the home, change the locks.
- Install as many security devices as you can afford.
- Metal exterior doors, gates, security alarm, motion lights, motion detectors, smoke alarms.
- Inform neighbors of your former partner. He is not welcome on the property.
- Mace sure daycare providers are aware of the situation. Let them know who is and is not to have contact.
- Obtain a protective order. Keep a copy with you at all times. Give friends and neighbors a copy.
- Let co-workers know.
- Avoid places the abuser goes.
- Get counseling.