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.

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.

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.

If you are in immediate danger or if there is an emergency call 911

DOVES of Gateway provides services to the Gateway counties of Rowan, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan and Bath.

All Kentucky counties are covered by one of the 15 sister shelters of the Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence (KCADV).