Courtesy of Vera House

PERSONAL SAFETY PLANNING

            Safety issues are a priority in cases of domestic violence.   Planning ahead can help ensure safety.

 The following suggestions may be helpful for a person living in an unsafe situation:

• Memorize local emergency numbers you may need.
   
• Ask your neighbours to call the police if it sounds like violence is occurring.
   
• If possible, keep small valuables and important papers – birth certificates, driver’s license, social security cards, medical records, bank books, etc. - together in a place you can easily get to them and where your partner will not find them.
   
• Keep a spare set of house keys and car keys handy; if you can, put aside a little money for food, telephone calls and transportation in case of emergency.
   
• Think ahead about different ways you might be able to get yourself and your children out of the house.
   
• If you have a friend or family member that would be willing to hold onto some things for you, consider packing toiletries, medications and an extra set of clothes for yourself and your children and taking it to your friend or family member.
   
• If you leave home, try to take something that has special meaning for your child, such as a stuffed animal or blanket, to help in the child’s adjustment to new surroundings.
   
• Know exactly where you could go and how to get there even if you should need to leave in the middle of the night.
   
• Know where the closest pay phone is located and have quarters available in an accessible place.
   
• Keep a record of all medical injuries in the past and names of the treating physicians.  Take photographs when possible.
   
• Develop a “code word” to use with your children, friends, or co-workers that will alert them to call the police.
   
• If appropriate, show your child safe ways to leave the house.  Determine a safe place for him or her to go (a neighbor, family member) or to call the police.

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