(This deals both with safety at your present home after the batterer leaves, or at your new place if you have moved.)
If you are in an abusive relationship, it is not possible to guarantee that you or your children will remain safe. Therefore, it is extremely important to determine how dangerous a partner is and to have a Safety Plan ready.
It is important to consider the possibility of lethality, or your risk of death, if you are in an abusive relationship. Without effective intervention or strategic planning, domestic violence can become increasingly severe and in some cases result in homicide. It is true that all batterers are dangerous, but some are more likely to kill than others. Furthermore, some are more likely to kill at specific times, such as when the victim flees the relationship or takes legal action against the batterer.
There are some indicators that will help you assess a batterer's potential to kill. It is important to consider the following:
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.
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