Safety Measures

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.