Prepare a Safety Plan
ESTABLISH A SAFETY PLAN FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
STAY SAFE
Inform neighbors, children, and close friends of the potential for danger. Decide on a code word to alert any of the above individuals that you need help. Ask them to be aware of any disturbance within the household. Teach your children to dial 911 if they or anyone is in fear of harm.
If confirmation occurs, move into a room with multiple entrances and exits. If an apparent threat of physical violence exists, exit through an available door or window. Identify the best rooms within your home which provide the easiest and safest exit(s).
PREPARING TO LEAVE:
REMEMBER LEAVING A BATTERER CAN BE THE MOST DANGEROUS TIME
PLAN AHEAD.
You may wish to begin packing personal items in a small bag which is easily
hidden within the home.
See CHECKLIST, below. You may wish to begin depositing available money into
a separate account or with a person you trust in order to provide financial
flexibility in the event of your leaving.
PLAN TO STAY WITH: FAMILY, PARENTS, CHILDREN, FRIENDS
If you know in advance where you will go, leave copies of important documents,
extra keys, additional clothes, and money with them in the event of your leaving.
A Women's Shelter - Keep phone numbers of local shelters close. In St. Tammany
Parish, contact SAFE HARBOR.
NEED ADDITIONAL HELP WITH YOUR SAFETY PLAN?
Contact your local law enforcement agency, the District Attorney's office, or a women's shelter for assistance in tailoring a SAFETY PLAN specific to your needs. The above SAFETY PLAN provides helpful information for those VICTIMS in dangerous situations and preparing to leave the BATTERER.
NOTE: This plan must be tailored for each individual situation. For example,
if you are a VICTIM and cannot leave, this SAFETY PLAN must put others (neighbors,
children, etc.) on alert in the event YOU NEED HELP.
USE YOUR INSTINCTS AND JUDGEMENT TO KEEP YOURSELF SAFE!
CHECKLIST:
Identification/License, Insurance Papers, Check Book
Money, Medical Records, Keys (House, Car, etc.)
Medications, Birth Certificates, Address Book
Restraining Order, Bank Books/ Records