Safety Planning

Though you do not have control over your partner’s violence, you do have a choice about how to get yourself and your children to safety. Leaving must be done with a careful plan. Abusers often become more violent when they believe their partner is leaving the relationship.

Safety During a Violent Incident

• Practice getting out safely. What doors, windows, elevators, stairwells, or fire escapes would you use?
• Keep your purse and car key where you can get to them in order to leave quickly.
• Tell neighbors about the violence and ask that they call the police if they hear suspicious noises coming from your home.
• Teach your children to use the phone to contact the police and fire department.
• When you anticipate an argument, avoid the bathroom, garage, kitchen and other areas near weapons or rooms without access to an outside door.

Safety when preparing to leave:

• Keep copies of important documents, keys, extra clothes and money with a friend or family member.
• Keep our crisis line number – 314.531.2003 – with you or memorize it.
• Check with friends or family members to see who would be able to let you stay with them or lend you money.
• Rehearse your escape plan and, if appropriate, practice it with your children

Items to Take When Leaving

• Identification for yourself
• Your birth certificate
• School and vaccination records
• Credit cards
• Medications
• Insurance papers
• Keys – house, car, office
• Work permits/green card
• Children’s birth certificates
• Social Security cards
• ATM card, checkbook
• Bank books
• Children’s favorite toy/blanket
• Lease/house deed
• Welfare identification

For help preparing your safety plan, call our 24-hour Crisis Helpline at 314.531.2003.

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