24-hour hotline 800.439.6507 • Teen textline 508.375.5144

Safety Planning

 

 

Before You leave - Things to Consider
  • Take evidence of the abuse – pictures, texts, and emails.
  • Journal any incidents of abuse – dates, what happened, threats, etc., and be sure to keep the journal in a private and safe location.
  • Tell those close to you about what is going on.
  • If you face a violent incident, go to the doctor so that there is documentation of the event.
  • Contact a local organization to find resources. (Independence House 508.771.6507).
  • Save money and put in multiple safe hiding locations.
  • If you have children – create a safe word and find a safe location for them to go if there is a violent event. Teach the child to dial 9-1-1.
  • Create an escape plan, a safe place for you and your children to go.
  • If there is a violent event, avoid areas in the home that have limited access to escape, such as the bathroom. Avoid areas with easy access to weapons, such as the kitchen.
  • Change privacy settings on social media accounts (see below Social Network Safety).
  • Make a list of emergency contact numbers.
Important Items to have ready
  • License or form of ID/social security cards
  • Birth certificates
  • Passports
  • Spare car or house keys
  • Medications
  • School records
  • Medical records
  • Cell phone
  • Cell phone chargers
  • Bank account information
  • Copy of legal papers (restraining order, divorce documents, custody papers, marriage license, etc.)
  • Cash
  • Clothes
  • Important sentimental items for you or your children (such as a teddy bear or blanket)
  • Emergency phone numbers
After you leave- things to consider
  • Change your locks
  • Change your phone number
  • Block any phone numbers that your abuser has access to
  • Notify your employer
  • Avoid your normal areas/frequent spots
  • Alert your children’s school
  • Keep a copy of your restraining order on you always
  • Reschedule appointments that your abuser is aware of.
  • Alert your neighbors and those close to you so that they can call the police if they feel you may be in danger.
Social Network Safety
  • Only post what you want the public to see. Once something is posted, it stays on the internet forever.
  • Protect your personal information including your cell phone number, address, birthday, school, check-in, etc.
  • Be aware of your location settings and check-in locations, they are easy to find and track.
  • Avoid posting private details.
  • Utilize the block setting – adjust your privacy settings.

*some information sourced from LoveIsRespect.org

Before You leave - Things to Consider
  • Take evidence of the abuse – pictures, texts, and emails.
  • Journal any incidents of abuse – dates, what happened, threats, etc., and be sure to keep the journal in a private and safe location.
  • Tell those close to you about what is going on.
  • If you face a violent incident, go to the doctor so that there is documentation of the event.
  • Contact a local organization to find resources. (Independence House 508.771.6507).
  • Save money and put in multiple safe hiding locations.
  • If you have children – create a safe word and find a safe location for them to go if there is a violent event. Teach the child to dial 9-1-1.
  • Create an escape plan, a safe place for you and your children to go.
  • If there is a violent event, avoid areas in the home that have limited access to escape, such as the bathroom. Avoid areas with easy access to weapons, such as the kitchen.
  • Change privacy settings on social media accounts (see below Social Network Safety).
  • Make a list of emergency contact numbers.
Important Items to have ready
  • License or form of ID/social security cards
  • Birth certificates
  • Passports
  • Spare car or house keys
  • Medications
  • School records
  • Medical records
  • Cell phone
  • Cell phone chargers
  • Bank account information
  • Copy of legal papers (restraining order, divorce documents, custody papers, marriage license, etc.)
  • Cash
  • Clothes
  • Important sentimental items for you or your children (such as a teddy bear or blanket)
  • Emergency phone numbers
After you leave- things to consider
  • Change your locks
  • Change your phone number
  • Block any phone numbers that your abuser has access to
  • Notify your employer
  • Avoid your normal areas/frequent spots
  • Alert your children’s school
  • Keep a copy of your restraining order on you always
  • Reschedule appointments that your abuser is aware of.
  • Alert your neighbors and those close to you so that they can call the police if they feel you may be in danger.
Social Network Safety
  • Only post what you want the public to see. Once something is posted, it stays on the internet forever.
  • Protect your personal information including your cell phone number, address, birthday, school, check-in, etc.
  • Be aware of your location settings and check-in locations, they are easy to find and track.
  • Avoid posting private details.
  • Utilize the block setting – adjust your privacy settings.

*some information sourced from LoveIsRespect.org