CWS Safety Plan

24-Hour Crisis
Line
(252) 638-5995

PERSONAL SAFETY PLAN

You have the right to be safe!
You don't deserve to be hit or threatened!

Safety During an Explosive Argument

If an argument seems unavoidable, try to position yourself where you can easily get away from the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, or anywhere else where weapons might be available.
Practice how to get out of your home safely. Identify which doors, windows, elevator, or stairwell would be best.
Have a packed bag ready and keep it at a relative's or friend's home in order to be able to leave quickly.
Identify one or more neighbors you can tell about the violence and ask that they call the police if they hear a disturbance coming form your home.
Devise a code word to use with your children, family, friends and neighbors when you need the police.
Use your own instincts and judgment. If the situation is very dangerous, try to calm the abuser down. This may give you the opportunity to get away.
Always remember...

YOU DON'T DESERVE TO BE HIT OR THREATENED!

Change the locks on your doors. Buy additional locks and safety devices to secure your windows.
Discuss a safety plan with your children for when you are not with them.
Inform your children's school, day care, etc., about who has permission to pick up your children
Inform neighbors and landlord that your partner no longer lives with you and that they should call the police if they see the partner near your home.

Open a savings account and/or credit card in your own name. This will establish and increase your independence.
Leave money, an extra set of keys, copies of important documents, extra medications and clothes with someone you trust so you can leave quickly if necessary.
Determine who would be able to let you stay with them or lend you some money.
Keep the office or hotline phone number close at hand and keep some change or calling card on you at all times for emergency phone calls.
Review your safety plan as often as possible in order to plan the safest way to leave your batterer
Remember...

LEAVING YOUR BATTERER IS THE MOST DANGEROUS TIME.

Keep your protective order with you at all times. (When you change your purse that should be the first thing that goes in it.) Give a copy to a trusted neighbor or family member.
Call the police immediately if your partner breaks the protective order.
Think of alternative ways to remain safe if the police do not respond right away.
Inform family, friends, neighbors, schools, and your physician or health care provider that you have an active protective order in effect.

Decide who at work you will inform of your situation. This should include office or building security. Provide a picture of your batterer if possible.
Arrange to have an answering machine, caller ID, or a trusted friend or relative screen your phone calls if possible.
Devise a safety plan for when you leave work. Have someone escort you to your car or other mode of transportation and wait with you until you are safely in route. Use a variety of routes to go home, if possible.

CHECKLIST

What You Need To Take When You Leave:

IDENTIFICATION

FINANCIAL

LEGAL PAPERS

OTHER

House & Car Keys Medications Jewelry
Pictures of Your, Children, & Abuser Phone Card Children's Small Toys Toiletries/Diapers
Change of Clothes for You and Kids