How to Make a Safety Plan

    This guide can help you make a safety plan. It is strongly recommended that anyone thinking of leaving an abusive relationship and/or making a safety plan should do so in consultation with a trained domestic violence counselor.
   It is quite difficult to make the decision to leave your abuser and seek shelter. It might take you several attempts before you can permanently leave. Even when you decide that leaving might be in your & your children's best interests, there are many emotional, physical, and financial issues, combined with danger, that make leaving difficult. Additionally, leaving does not guarantee that the violence will end. Because of this danger, it helps to be prepared. Safety planning can help you prepare to safely leave. After completing your safety plan, you may even feel empowered to some extent as you become more aware of your options and knowing you have a way out!
    Use this guide to help you note and gather your necessary information. Then call the domestic violence hotline (1-800-500-1119) and ask a counselor to help you make your plan. Everyone is different and your plan should cover your personal situation. Put your important phone numbers together so that they will be handy if you leave. Check off items which will apply to your situation. See what will help you the most and concentrate on those items. Up-date your safety plan often. Review it with a supporter or hotline counselor. Share you plan only with those who will absolutely support you. Do NOT share it with anyone who may tell or "let it slip" to the abuser or his supporters. Remember that you always have a choice. If you are in a dangerous situation, there is help available for you if you need it. If you write out a safety plan, be sure to keep it in a place where your partner won't find it.

Most Importantly, Plan Ahead...
Because danger can occur at any time, consider the following:
Practice an escape plan for emergencies. Decide how you would get out.
Decide on a pathway if you have to leave at night. Think of public places you can access 24 hours a day. Know the route to police stations, hospitals, fire stations, and 24 hour convenience stores in your area. If you leave by car, make sure you lock the car doors immediately. Consider making a plan for each room in your home. What can you do to get out of the basement or upper floors of your home? Know which doors lock in your home. If you live in an apartment building, think of all the ways to get out safely. Is there a fire escape that could get you safely to the ground? Is there a stairwell you could use?

Go over it with a counselor or advocate. Tell a person you trust.
This may be difficult especially if your partner has isolated you; however, it is important to confide in a domestic violence advocate or hotline counselor who has been trained to help you. An advocate or domestic violence counselor can help you figure out which friends and relatives might be able to help you. He/she will help you figure out alternatives if you have to leave at a time when your friend is not available. If you don't have a car, think of a safe place, close to your home, where your friend could pick you up. Also, know the routes to the subway, bus stop, and train station nearest to your home. You may want to plan a code word or phrase to use on the telephone with a friend if you need to access help when your abuser is present. Tell your friend that when you say " " it means you're in trouble and you need them to dial 911 for you. If you feel comfortable, tell your neighbors about the violence and ask if they will call the police if suspicious noises are coming from your home.

Keep your Order of Protection on you at all times. Keep your purse and keys in a safe place, in case you have to leave quickly.

Which of the following items will you need?
Keeping these items in a bag or container away from home is best.
Avoid using your purse or car.

    Identification (driver's license, passports, greencards, work permits)
    Birth certificates for self and children
    Social Security Cards for self and children. Your partner's social security number
    Divorce, custody, or injunction papers
    Important legal documents, police records, record of violence
    Medical records, address book, car registration, insurance policies (auto, home, health,
    life)
    Proof of income for partner (check stubs)
    Pre-Paid long distance card
    ATM card, money, cab fare, check book, credit cards, food stamps
    Coins to use in a payphone