• Having important phone numbers nearby for you and your children.
Numbers to have are the police, hotlines, friends and the local
shelter.
• Friends or neighbors you could tell about the abuse. Ask them to call
the police if they hear angry violent noises. If you have children, teach
them how to dial 911. Make up a code word that you can use when
you need help.
• Know how to get out of your house safely. Practice ways to get out.
• Know what the safer places in your home are, where there are exits and
no weapons. If you feel abuse is going to happen try to get your abuser to one of these safer places.
• Any weapons in the house, think about ways you can get them out of the house.
• Even if you do not plan to leave, think of where you could go. 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. Put together a bag of things
to use everyday. Hide it or give it to a friend, where it is easy for you
to access.
• Consider a Safety Deposit Box for your important documents.

IF YOU CONSIDER LEAVING YOUR ABUSER, THINK
ABOUT…

• Four places you could go if you leave your home.
• People who might help you if you left. Think about people who will keep a bag for you. Think about people who might lend you money.
Make plans for your pets.
• Keeping change for phone calls or getting a cell phone.
• Opening a bank account or getting a credit card in your name.
• How you might leave. Try doing
things that get you out of the house, taking out the trash,
walking the family pet, or going to the store. Practice how you would
leave.
• How you could take your children with you safely. There are times
when taking your children with you may put all of your lives in danger. You need to protect yourself to be able to protect your children.
• Putting together a bag of things you use everyday. Hide it where it
is easy for you to get.
• Change all your computer and internet Passwords

ITEMS TO TAKE, IF POSSIBLE

• Money
• Keys to car, house, work
• Extra clothes
• Medicine
• Important papers for you and your children
• Social Security Cards
• School and Medical records
• Bankbooks, credit cards
• Driver’s License
• Car registration
• Welfare identification
• Passports, green cards, work
permits
• Lease/rental agreement
• Mortgage payment book, unpaid bills
• Insurance papers
• Temporary Restraining Order
(TRO) or Final Restraining Order
(FRO), divorce papers, custody
orders
• Address book
• Pictures, jewelry, things that mean
a lot to you
• Items for your children (toys,
blankets, etc.)

This information is provided as a public service to assist victims of domestic violence. This information is not intended to substitute for legal advice. We recommend that victims of domestic violence seek legal representation.