Victim’s Safety Plan

1. Pack a suitcase with extra clothing and toiletries and leave it with a friend or neighbor. Don’t forget to make an extra set of keys for the house and car as well.
2. Keep personal items, such as identification cards, medicine, and other legal documents,
   in a special place for easy, quick retrieval. In case of emergency, have a planned destination and how to contact a friend or family member for help.
3. Know a destination and what to do in case escape is not possible. Remember to avoid hiding in the kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom.
4. Call the police. Domestic violence is a crime.
5. Do not clean up until all evidence is preserved by a police officer.

Safety and emotional health

• If the victim is thinking of returning to the abuser, the victim should discuss other alternatives with a trusted friend or family member.
• Communication with the abuser, if necessary, should be done in a safe place.
• Think positive and be assertive.
• Read books, articles, and poems to help self-empowerment.
• Find friends and family members for support.
• Attend support groups to learn more about healthy relationships.

Safety during an explosive incident

• If an argument persists, have it in an area that has access to an exit, not other rooms in the house where weapons may be available.
• Practice how to leave the home safely.
• Have personal items ready in a secret place in order to leave quickly.
• Tell a neighbor about the violence, and ask them to call the police if they hear or see something unusual.
• Devise code words to use with friends, family, children, or neighbors in case they need to call the police.
• Plan and decide where to go in case it becomes necessary to leave.
• Trust personal instincts and judgment.

Safety on the job and in public

• Inform the employer about the situation.
• If possible, have personal telephone calls reviewed.
• Create a safety plan for when leaving work.

Safety in your own home

• Change the lock on doors and add safety devices to secure the windows.
• Create a safety plan with the children.
• Inform the children’s school or daycare about who is allowed to pick up the children.
• Let neighbors and landlord know that they should call the police if they see the former partner near home.
• If possible use an answering machine or caller ID to screen calls.