First, make sure you are in a safe place if not call 9-1-1
*Contact your local domestic violence center if in Homestead, Florida call:
305/247-1388 or (after 5:00 pm) Florida state hotline: 800/500-1119
* For other states contact the National hotline: 800/799-SAFE (7233)
Domestic Violence Escape Safety Plan
* The most dangerous time for a woman is when she leaves an abuser. Working out a plan ahead of time will help increase her chances of survival.
* Most of us are familiar with a plan to get out of the house in case of fire. A domestic violence plan is the same. It’s a tool a survivor can use to think about how she will get out of her home or workplace when threatened. It should cover what she will need to do afterwards and what essentials she will need.
* Survivors with children face special hurdles. They will have to decide how much to tell children based on age and appropriateness. Young children may blurt it out and older kids can be coerced or bribed to tell by the abuser.
* A survivor of domestic violence will need to think ahead and plan for a safe place to go. She will also need a back-up plan. A domestic violence shelter is often the best choice. if the sherlter is full or otherwise unavailable she will need a backup plan.
* It is never a good idea to go to “Mom’s”, or the home of a close friend or relative. These are the first places a batterer may think to look. Similarly, rule out close motels.
* There may be a place out of town or away that she could go for safety. The local agency may have some ideas or be able to make a referral. The victim will need to think of a plan “B” and also plan how she will get there.
* The following is a list of some of the essentials a survivor will need after leaving. It is best to think about how to get these ready ahead of time. The items need to be kept safely hidden and away from the abuser.
A survivor may need:
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ID – Driver’s License, Green Card, etc. |
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Money |
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Passport |
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Car Keys, House Keys |
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Birth Certificate for herself and children |
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Immunization Records |
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Social Security Cards for herself and children |
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Checkbook, ATM Cards, Bank Information |
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Medication |
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Phone Cards |
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Lease or Rental Agreement |
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Insurance Information |
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Credit Cards |
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Clothing |
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Personal Care Items |
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Childcare Items – formula, diapers, blankets, special toys |
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Food Stamps, Medicaid Card |
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Address Book |
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Sentimental Items |
Nothing is 100%. A well thought out, practiced plan can tell the children where to go and what to do during an escalation and hopefully provide for their safety while increasing the safety for the victim.
Home Safety Guide
If you have decided to stay in a relationship where abuse is going on you may consider the following tips to keep safer:
Move to a room with easy access to an exit. Don’t go to the kitchen, bathroom or near possible weapons.
Know the quickest route out of your home. Practice escaping that way.
Tell your neighbors about your abuse and ask them to call the police when they hear a disturbance.
Have a code word to use with your mom, family and friends. They will know to call the police and get you help.
Know where you are going to go, if you ever have to leave. For example, a neighbor or a relative’s house.
Use your instincts.