If I need shelter, the domestic violence hotline is (330) 823-7223.
I will tell_________________ about the violence and ask them to call the police if they hear signs of violence coming from my house.
I will be sure my children know our address and can give it to the police and fire department.
I will get a programmable phone, or if I have one, I will program emergency numbers into it.
I will teach my children to auto dial or call 911.
I will avoid making long-distance calls from the home phone because my partner can learn whom I called by looking at the phone bill.
When I expect my partner and I are going to have an argument, I will try to move to a place where I am less at risk, such as _________________ (avoid the garage, bathroom, kitchen, rooms where there are weapons, and rooms with no outside exit).
I will use my judgement and intuition to determine if the situation is serious. I will, where possible, give my partner what he wants until the situation is under control and I/we are out of danger.
I will teach the protections to some/all of my children, where appropriate.
Planning Ahead for Leaving
If it’s not safe to talk openly, I will use___________________ as the code word/signal to my children, family or friends that we are coming or leaving home.
My safety route out of my home will be________________________.
I will rehearse my escape plan and, if appropriate, practice it with my children.
My purse and car keys are kept_______________________________.
I will leave money and an extra set of keys with___________________.
I will leave extra clothes with_______________________.
I will keep important documents and copies of important documents at _________________________________________________________.
If I have to leave, I will go to _______________________________.
If I can’t go there, I will go to_______________________________.
Have your abuser’s social security number and license plate number with you to provide the police.
Bring medications, prescriptions, hearing aids, glasses, and etc.
Independent Measures Before Leaving
I will ask for help in planning from the domestic violence program.
I will keep change and important numbers with me at all times.
I will open my own bank account in my name.
I will take classes, get my G.E.D. (if necessary) and get job skills to get a better paying job.
I will get a mailbox at a private mailbox company and receive my personal mail there.
I will increase my independence in other ways __________________________.
Safety at Home After Leaving
I will install deadbolts where I live.
I will change the locks where I live.
I will check all my windows for access from the outside and take steps to bar entry into my home through the windows.
I will replace all wooden doors with steel/metal doors.
I can install an outside lighting system that lights up when someone approaches.
I can purchase rope ladders to be used for escape routes from the second floor.
I will purchase fire extinguishers.
I will install smoke detectors on every floor.
If affordable, I will install a security system in my home.
I will teach my children how to reach me if they are concerned for their own safety.
I will inform the school or others who take care of my children about who has permission to pick up my children, and I will make sure the school personnel can recognize these people.
I will give those who take care of my children copies of custody and protective orders and emergency numbers.
I will tell________________ and ____________________ that I am no longer with my partner and ask them to call the police if they believe I or my children are in danger.
At Work and in Public Places
I can tell my boss, the security supervisor and _______________at work about this situation.
I can ask ___________________ to screen my calls at work.
I will protect myself when arriving at work by _________________________.
I will protect myself when leaving work by____________________________.
When traveling to and from work, if there is trouble, I will__________________.
I will carry a cell phone with me at all times.
I will vary my routines.
I will vary my route to and from usual destinations.
I will avoid places my partner is likely to find me (Laundromat, banks, stores, doctors offices, and night clubs I used before leaving).
I will also devise a safety plan for when I am out in public. I will have someone escort me to my car, bus or taxi.
Protection Order
I will keep my TPO/CPO with me at all times.
I will give a copy of my TPO/CPO to my closest friend/family.
If it gets destroyed or lost, I can get another copy from the County Clerk of Courts.
I will give a copy of my TPO/CPO to the police where I live.
I will give a copy to my children(s) schools, day care, etc.
I will report any violation of my TPO/CPO by my partner to the police.
I will call my advocate, my attorney, or my case manager if my partner violates the TPO/CPO.
I will call a domestic violence program if I have questions about how to enforce my TPO/CPO.
I will call a domestic violence program if I have trouble getting my TPO/CPO enforced.
I will renew my TPO/CPO when necessary to ensure safety.
Emotional Health
I will call ________________ if I feel lonely, depressed, confused about what to do next.
I will get a checkup at a doctor’s office.
If I have left my partner and I am considering returning, I will call_____________ before I make the decision.
I will remind myself daily of my strengths; they are: ____________________.
I will remind myself daily of my good qualities; they are: __________________ _________________________________________.
I will attend a support group to help build a support system.
I will go to workshops and take classes on domestic violence and recovering from domestic violence to get the information I need to grow beyond this experience.
I will take precautions not to drink alcohol or take drugs in a way that jeopardizes my safety.
I will read one or more books written for battered women recommended by my domestic violence program.
I will take other steps to feel stronger and more independent-these steps are_________________________________________________________.
24-Hour Crisis Hotline
(330) 823-7223
Safety Alert
Computer use can be monitored and it is impossible to completely clear. If you are afraid your internet and/or computer usage might be monitored, please use a safer computer, call your local hotline, and/or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Safety Information
Personalized Safety
Safety at Home
Planning Ahead for Leaving
Independent Measures Before Leaving
Safety at Home After Leaving
At Work and in Public Places
Protection Order
Emotional Health
24-Hour Crisis Hotline
(330) 823-7223
Safety Alert
Computer use can be monitored and it is impossible to completely clear. If you are afraid your internet and/or computer usage might be monitored, please use a safer computer, call your local hotline, and/or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
AADVS News