How Can I Stay Safe?
What Are Basic Safety Measures I Can Take If I Am In An Abusive Relationship?
- Have important numbers (i.e. police, hotlines, shelters, and friends) accessible to you and your children.
- If you have children, teach them how to dial 911.
- Talk to friends or neighbors you trust about the abuse. Ask them to call the police if they hear angry or violent noises. Make up a code word that you can use when you need help.
- Practice ways to get out of your home safely.
- If there are weapons in the house, think about ways to get them out of the house.
- Even if you do not plan to leave, think of where you could go, if it becomes necessary. Think of how you might leave. Try doing things that get you out of the house - taking out the trash, walking the pet or going to the store.
- The victim should use his/her judgment in situations. If the situations are dangerous it may be best to give their partner what he/she wants to calm them down. The victim must protect themselves until they can find a way out safely from the dangerous situation.
- If possible the victim should try to copy all important documents i.e. passports, social security cards, birth certificates and place them in a safe place with a safe person.
- Have phones and cars checked for tracking devices. Be mindful that shared debit cards and credit cards can assist the batterer in tracing your locations.
- Accounts i.e. emails, telephones, banking, etc. should have a pin number associated with them.
- Document any incidents with date time, person who was present, and describe the details of what took place.
- If you have to encounter your spouse think of safe locations where you can meet or talk, i.e. police department, hospital, etc.
