This plan is not to encourage sinful abandonment or divorce.  It is for the express purpose of protecting the innocent.

Keeping a victim safe requires much more than completing a form.  Be sure to ask her about language barriers, areas of control such as her work or school schedule.  What nights are safer? When is he out?  She has a lot to consider, since her greatest danger is the seven hours after she leaves or decides to.  Never confront an offender before his victim’s safety plan is in place. 

Download Safety Plan (pdf)

DURING THE CONFLICT

LOCATIONS FOR SAFETY

First choice is _______________________ Phone ______________ Cell_________
Address ___________________________ Contact person _____________________

Second choice is _____________________   Phone ______________Cell _________
Address _____________________________Contact person ____________________

Third Choice is ________________________Phone ______________Cell _________
Address _____________________________Contact person ____________________

 “When you need to call for assistance and/or counsel, please refer to the contact sheet for help.  Document instructions from your Care Team as well as harassing calls from your offender”

OTHER THINGS TO DO         

• Familiarize yourself with the exits, including low-lying windows or basement windows
• Safe storage for extra purse and keys – keeping an extra set is a must.  Use a magnet key holder for a hidden key.
• Get duplicate identification cards and credit or debit cards; remove name off joint accts. for safety.
• Get cash, prescription drugs, medical records, contacts, workbook, and clothing for you/children
• Advise only safe, trusting neighbors about the abuse and instruct them to call 911 if needed
• Pick an alternative plan and inform trusted support team
• Train the children on 911 calls and develop a special code to use during conflict for the children to call 911.  They should know the address, names, and phone numbers very well.
• Secure your cyber-space.  Get help with this if needed
• Disengage GPS device on your cell phone to prevent the oppressor from stalking and tracking your safety destinations.  [This could endanger others as well, i.e. shelter staff, etc.]

PACK THE FOLLOWING:

• Children’s favorite toys and blankets
• Baby items including infant thermometer, syringe, vitamins, swabs, etc.
• Watch, Jewelry and Sentimental items
• Disposable camera
• Some things can be packed and mailed to a safe place.  Travel as light as possible.
• Take your time to plan
• If possible, move accounts to a completely different bank for financial safety.
• If you retain residence, CHANGE LOCKS, inform police of this and why, so that in the event he breaks in before an emergency hearing, the police know the story. 
• Complete an abuse history report even if you have never called the police at the time of the violence.  Always ask to speak to the “domestic violence” unit.
• Report all violence that the children have seen, heard, or were involved.  This is extremely serious.
• Under no circumstances should she ever give the children any information that alienates one parent from the other.

                  .                   
DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN  Make 3 Copies (Put originals in safety deposit box; hide one set in bag; and give one set to lawyer or team member)

• Birth certificates
• School records
• Medical records
• Immunizations
• Food Stamps
• Social Security cards
• Legal documents (i.e., restraining order or [T.P.O], marriage certificate and/or divorce papers)
• Tax records
• Work permits
• Green cards
• Passports
• Address book
• Passwords for bankcards, internet, phone, etc.
• Lease, rental, or house deed
• Mortgage papers
• Bank statements
• Credit reports/dates/ obtain professional advice to protect or build credit.
• Copy of household expense worksheet
• Welfare ID
• Insurance papers: medical/dental, car, life, house
• Photos of injuries