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Safety Plans

If you are in an abusive relationship it is important to have a plan to keep yourself and your children safe. Follow the guidelines set out below.

Safety at home

  • If you have a cell phone keep it with you at all times.
  • Teach your children to call 9-1-1 if things become violent.
  • Tell your neighbors to call 9-1-1 if they hear noises coming from your home.
  • Keep an extra set of keys, money, clothing, and copies of important documents somewhere outside your home, for example, in a safety deposit box, or with a trusted friend or family member.

Important documents include:

  • Driver's license/picture ID
  • Birth certificates
  • Passports/immigration papers
  • Social security cards/numbers
  • Welfare identification
  • Health benefit cards
  • Immunization records
  • Address/phone book

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Safety during a violent incident

  • If you think your abuser may become violent move to a room with an exit and/or a phone.
  • Do not go to the bathroom, to the kitchen, or to any rooms that may have weapons.
  • If possible, call 9-1-1.

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Safety when leaving

Keep money, keys, and important documents together in one place so that you can grab them easily if you need to leave quickly. Know the easiest and fastest exit from your home. Practice leaving quickly and safely with your children. Plan now where you will go if you have to leave.

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Safety with an order of protection

Keep copies of your order of protection with you at all times. Give copies of your order of protection to police departments where you live, where you work, and where you visit friends and family. Give a copy of the order and a picture of your abuser to security at your job or school. If the children are included in the order, give a copy of the order to their school or babysitter. If your abuser violates the order of protection call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number and file a police report.

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