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Safety Planning

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PERSONALIZED PROTECTION

Practical Guidance For Dangerous Situations

A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that can help a victim navigate through different scenarios they may face in an abusive relationship. If you believe you are a victim of abuse, safety planning can help you plan ahead for potentially dangerous situations. Use this safety planning checklist to help you keep safe:

CHECKLIST 01

Safety in a Relationship

(Complete this checklist if you are currently residing with your abusive partner)

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Identify safe places in the house to run to when an argument occurs.
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Avoid places without exits or with potentially dangerous items.
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Don't run to where children are – they may become possible targets.
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Have an escape route planned out.
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Make an extra set of car keys (keep in a place other than your purse).
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Leave car in the driveway fueled and with driver's side door unlocked.
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Practice beforehand with your children how to escape safely.
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Teach your children how to get help. Instruct them not to get involved with arguments.
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Identify a support system of trusted friends, relatives or neighbors who know about the situation.
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Identify a secret code word or signal with these people so they know to call for help.
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Keep a phone with you and store or memorize important numbers (DV shelter, police, friends).
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If violence is unavoidable, make yourself a small target, dive into a corner and curl up with face protected.
CHECKLIST 02

Getting Ready to Leave

(Complete this checklist if you are thinking of leaving your abusive relationship)

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Start documenting incidents of abuse in a journal. Keep in a safe place (with a friend or co-worker).
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Open a checking or savings account and P.O. Box in your own name.
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Call your local domestic violence shelter to identify options and customize your safety plan.
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Plan a time to leave when you know your abuser will be out – giving you a large window of time to escape.
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Call the police to escort you if needed when leaving.
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Pack an emergency bag and leave it hidden in your house or with someone you trust.
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Pack In Your Emergency Bag (Essential Items & Documents):

✔ A spare set of car keys
✔ Cash / Credit Cards
✔ Medications & Change of Clothing
✔ Driver's License
✔ Birth Certificates & Social Security Card
✔ Immigration / Citizenship Documents
✔ Children's School Records & Immunizations
✔ Financial Statements & Pay Stubs
✔ Medical Documents & Phone Numbers List
CHECKLIST 03

After You Have Left

(Complete this checklist after you have left your abusive partner)

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Get a protective order – Keep the order on you and give copies to relevant parties (employers, neighbors, schools) to call police if seen near home.
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Change your phone number. If your abuser leaves, change the locks on your doors.
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Change your regular routine, routes, or areas you frequent (work hours, grocery stores, doctors, schools).
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If you have to meet your abuser for any reason, do it in a safe public place.
*(Check list adapted by CHETNA from National Domestic Violence Hotline Safety Plan)*