General Safety Plan
- Identify ways to exit your home and practice your escape route.
- Pack a bag with medications, important documents, money, keys, clothing etc. and hide it at a safe place in order to leave quickly.
- Create a code word to use with children, family and friends when you need the police.
- Be aware that technology activity can be monitored and checked without your knowledge including computer, phone, and social media.
- Devise and plan a safe place to go when you exit your home.
- Delete entire Internet and phone history frequently.
- During an explosive incident, avoid places without more than one exit (bathrooms, closets) or places that have potential weapons such as the kitchen.
- Call DOVES Hotline to discuss a more thorough and personalized safety plan at 1-800-221-4361.
Safety When Leaving
- Open a savings account and credit card in your own name to establish financial independence
- Leave important documents,
extra set of keys, money, medications, extra clothing with someone you trust. - Determine who you can stay with or lend you money once you exit your home.
- Contact Adult Protective Services to discuss benefits and services that can be provided to you.
- Know your abuser’s social security number, license plate number
and have recent photograph for legal purposes. - Review your safety plan regularly.
Safety and Protective Orders
- Have several copies of your protection order made.
- Keep your protection order with you at all times
- Give copies to schools, daycare, work, keep a copy in your car, purse, etc.
- Call the police if your abuser violates the protection order.
- If your protection order is out of state, register it with your local police and/or clerks of courts.
