Courtesy of Vera House

Safety Planning Checklist

For 24-hour support and/or shelter, I can call

VERA HOUSE at (315) 468-3260 (collect calls accepted)

Safety for children and myself is the priority all of the time, even if my partner is calm now,

I can leave extra or copies of the following items with a trusted friend or family member. Some important things may include:

ü        Order of Protection

ü        Extra Money                                                                           My important phone numbers:

ü        Keys (house, car, office)                                                         Family:

ü        Clothes (for self and children)                                                Friends:

ü        A list of important phone numbers                                        Hotline/Shelters:

ü        Birth certificates                                                                     Counselor/Case Worker:

ü        Social Security cards                                                               Work:

ü        Drivers license                                                                        Supervisor’s Home Phone:

ü        Medicaid card/Insurance Card                                                Clergy:

ü        Passport                                                                                  School(s):

ü        Bank book/checkbook                                                             Other:

ü        Credit card

ü        ATM card

ü        Tax return related information

ü        House mortgage/deed

ü        Car registration

ü        Medication for self and children

ü        Address book

ü        Court and Police related documents

ü        Children’s special toys and/or blanket

ü        Sentimental items (including photos)

ü        If applicable: marriage certificate, adoption papers,

Green card naturalization papers

ü        I can let people who are supportive of me know what is going on in my life and turn to them when I need help

ü        If things in my home begin to escalate with my partner and I am feeling unsafe, I can:

ü        Stay away from the kitchen and bathrooms where weapons are easily accessible

ü        Call 911 and flee the home for my safety

ü        Have a “code word” with my children/friends (if appropriate) to let them know it’s time to call 911 and leave the home if I am unable to leave myself

ü        Ask neighbors to call the police if it sounds like violence is occurring

ü        Have a definite plan of exactly where I would go and how I would get there if I had to flee my home

ü        I can remember that my children are also affected by violence in our home and therefore I can:

ü        Notify the school of any court orders concerning my children (such as Orders of Protection, Custody Orders) and give the school a copy of these orders

ü        Make sure my children are included on any police reports for future reference in court proceedings and/or Child Protective Investigations against my partner

ü        Designate responsible people to pick up my children at school if I have to flee the home during the day for my safety

***Safety Planning does not end when the relationship ends.***

ü        I can utilize the following safety measures that may be helpful to me even though I am no longer involved with an abusive partner:

ü        Change your residence’s door and window locks

ü        Purchase a home security system or change the code of your current system

ü        Inquire about no cost personal safety programs such as pre-programmed cellular phones and personal alarms that may be available through the District Attorney’s office and/or Vera House

ü        Change your telephone number or purchase an answering machine to screen your calls

ü        Be aware of your surrounding areas at all times: while driving, shopping, working, walking to your car

ü        Talk to friends, family members or service providers that are supportive of you.  Seek support for you and your children.

ü        If you have to meet with your ex-partner in person, do so in a public place you are familiar with and/or bring a friend/3^rd party with you

ü        Notify a friend, family member, or a co-worker where you will be and what time you will return.

ü        Obtain an Order of Protection:

ü        Make multiple copies of your order.  Keep a copy of your order with you at all times and one safely in your home.

ü        Give a copy of the order to relevant people in your life (e.g. family/friends, employer, babysitter, neighbor)

ü        Call the police immediately if the order has been violated

I can also remember:

There is no excuse for abuse.  
I am not alone. 
The abuse is not my fault.       
My children and I do not deserve to be abused.
There is help for my children and me.
I have the power to change my situation.

The Vera House Outreach Program can assist victims with safety planning, crisis intervention, short-term counseling, domestic violence education, advocacy with legal, social and medical systems, community referrals and support groups.  Call 468-3260.*

Return to SPL Main Page