Pathways: Safety Planning

If the argument is unavoidable, try to have it in a safe place away from weapons or near an exit.
Practice and identify how to get out of your home safely.
Pack a bag and keep it ready in an undisclosed but accessible place.
Devise a code word to use with your children, family, friends, and neighbors when you need the police.
Talk to a neighbor and ask that they call the police if they hear a disturbance coming from your home.
Decide and plan where you will go if you have to leave your home even if you don't think it will come to that.
Use your own instincts and judgments when dealing with the situation. You have the right to protect yourself until you are out of danger.

Open a savings account in your name.
Leave money, extra keys, copies of important documents and extra clothes with someone you trust.
Determine where you can stay or who can loan you money.
Keep the shelter phone number (542-1944) close at hand.
Keep some change or a telephone calling card on you at all times for emergency phone calls.

Change the locks on your doors and/or purchase additional locks or safety devices to secure windows.
Discuss a safety plan with your children.
Inform the children’s school, day care, etc., who has or doesn’t have permission to pick up your children.
Inform the neighbors that the batterer no longer lives with you and instruct them to call 911 if seen near your home.

Keep the Order of Protection with you at all times. Leave copies of the order at appropriate places such as your workspace or your children’s school.
Call the polics immediately if the offender breaks the Order of Protection and encourage friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to do the same.
Think of alternative ways to keep safe if the police do not respond immediately.

Decided who at work you will inform (i.e. security) and provide a picture of perpetrator.
Have someone walk you to your car or bus stop; change your routes of travel and screen your calls, if possible.

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