Safety Issue 1:
Things to consider BEFORE a violent incident
- Call a domestic violence agency and speak to an advocate for information, support, and help with your Safey Plan.
- Tell someone that you can trust about what is going on (a friend, relative, or coworker).
- Teach your children how to call 911 or to make a collect call to an emergency contact.
- Make up a code word or signal to use with your children, family, friends, and or neighbors when you need them to call the police.
- Plan and practice an escape route out of the home for yourself and/or children.
- Also plan and practice an escape plan specifically for your children in case you’re not able to help them.
- Remove sharp objects and weapons from sight.
- Keep a telephone in a room that locks from the inside. If possible, keep a cell phone in your pocket or in an accessible hiding place; pre-program 911 or the number of a safe friend or relative into the directory.
- Arrange in advance for a safe place to go (somewhere that your partner does not know about) even if you don’t think you’ll have to leave.
- Pack an emergency bag for yourself and your children to use if you need to leave quickly (the bag should be hidden or kept safe by a person you trust and can get to in a hurry).
- Review this list of items to pack in your emergency bag. (They are given in Safety Issue 10, below.)
- Make copies of your important documents (keep one copy in the bag and give other copies to trusted friends and relatives).
- Make an extra set of important keys (car, house, mailbox, etc.).
- If an argument seems unavoidable, try to have it in a room or area that has access to an exit and not in a bathroom, kitchen, or anywhere near weapons.
- Use your instincts and judgment. You have the right to protect yourself until you are out of danger.
- Always remember: You do not deserve to be hit, threatened or controlled!