Have a Plan

Depending on your situation, leaving your abusive partner may  be very dangerous. We are here to help you create a personalized plan to ensure you and your children may leave safely. Below are some tips you may consider when leaving.

Remember: if you are threatened with violence, call 911 immediately.

• Listen to your gut feeling – if you feel that you may be in danger, call 911 or leave to a safe place immediately.

• Make an exit strategy in your home. Include your children and develop a code to indicate when it’s time to leave. Rehearse the plan when your abusive partner is not home.

• If you feel in danger, keep out of rooms that have only one exit. Keep your back to open spaces.

• If you feel that your partner may become violent, don’t attempt to fight back. Leave before it becomes escalated.

• Make arrangements to have a safe place to go if you are being threatened.

• Be sure to have important documents stored in a place where you may easily access them; think about placing you and your children’s ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, debit/credit cards, or anything that can’t be easily replaced  in a plastic bag in a secure place.

• Have an overnight bag prepared with some clothing, necessities, and other important items in case you have to leave unexpectedly.

• Have an extra set of car keys made and keep some money set aside for emergencies.

• Notify a trusted family member or friend of your safety plan.

• See about getting a cell phone only for emergencies. Prepaid phones are inexpensive and easy to buy. Give only trusted family and friends the phone number.

• Consider a obtaining a restraining order.

• Have our hotline number 1.805.656.1111 memorized.