About Your Safety
1. Before Incidents
2. Protection Orders
3. Preparing to Leave
4. Safety at Home
5. Safety at Work
6. Safety in Court
7. Safety in Public
8. Violence / Threats
9. How Lethal?
10. Item Checklist
11. Internet Safety
Print Safety Issues
Safety Issue 10:
Items to Pack when Leaving
When you leave an abusive partner it is important to understand that this action may trigger a violent outburst. Being organized and prepared to make a quick break away from the relationship is one key to reducing the risk of violence. If possible, it is recommended that you pre-pack clothing and important documents ahead of time and leave them with a trusted friend or relative.
CHECKLIST: WHAT TO TAKE WHEN YOU LEAVE
You should have these items in a safe place where you can access them quickly in case you need to leave in a hurry. You may want to keep copies of important documents at a trusted relative or friend’s home.
DOCUMENTS:
- Driver’s license, passport, or other form of ID
- Your birth certificate and your children’s birth certificates
- Money, bank books, checkbooks, credit cards, ATM cards, mortgage payment book/rental agreement
- Social Security card, work permit, green card, insurance papers
- Welfare information
- Medical records, school vaccine cards, insurance information
- The abuser’s social security number, license plate number and photo, if possible
- Divorce papers and custody papers or other court orders
- Copies of your protection order
- Lease, rental agreement, house deed, car registration
OTHER ITEMS:
- Keys to house, car, office
- Medications, glasses/contacts, hearing aids, etc. for you and your children or other dependents
- Personal items like address/phone book, pictures, jewelry, etc.
- Clothing for you and your children
- Toiletries, diapers, and baby formula
- Children’s favorite toys
Remember, if you print a copy of this material, KEEP IT IN A SAFE PLACE and away from your abusive partner.