SafeNest Safety Plan
If you are considering leaving your home, it is important to prepare a Safety Plan. A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that includes ways to remain safe while still in an abusive relationship, planning to leave an abusive relationship, and after leaving an abusive relationship. SafeNest has a list of options for consideration as you prepare to get out of danger, stay safe and plan for your future.
Items to Take, if Possible
- Children (if it is safe)
- Money
- Keys to car, house, work
- Extra clothes
- Medicine
- Important papers for you and your children
- Birth certificates
- 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
- PPO, divorce papers, custody orders
- Address book
- Pictures, jewelry, things that mean a lot to you
- Items for your children (toys, blankets, etc.)
If You Are Still In An Abusive Relationship
Such as SafeNest, and/or friends or family that may be able to help you. Keep a written/typed list of numbers in a safe place in the event you are unable to take your cell phone.
Teach them how to dial 9-1-1.
You can use with friends or neighbors you feel comfortable discussing your abuse with. If they hear you yell the word its instructing them to call 9-1-1.
Practice ways to get out. Make sure children practice this as well.
If You Consider Leaving Your Abuser
Such as SafeNest, and/or friends or family that may be able to help you. Keep a written/typed list of numbers in a safe place in the event you are unable to take your cell phone.
Think about three to four places you could go if you leave your home.
People who might help you if you left.
If you are researching how to leave on your computer or you are e-mailing people alerting them to the fact you are in an abusive relationship and are considering leaving, learn how to delete your browser history or and e-mails.
Keeping change for phone calls or getting a cell phone.
Opening a bank account in your name only or getting a credit card in your name.
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.
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.
If you have pets that you are unwilling to leave, think about how you could safely get out of the house with them; go to the dog park, walk, vet appointment. And/or make plans for your pets.
Putting together a bag of things you use every day. Hide it where it is easy for you to get.
Take photos of important documents if you don’t feel you have the opportunity to make copies or take them with you. Any documents you leave behind Safe Nest will help you with copies.
If You’ve Left Your Abuser
Now is the most dangerous time, and abuse may escalate.
Share your new contact information only with people you trust.
Keep a copy with you all the time. Give a copy to the people who take care of your children, their schools and your boss. Giving them a picture of the abuser may help them recognize the person if they attempt contact.
Tell friends and neighbors that your abuser no longer lives with you. Ask them to call the police if they see your abuser near your home or children. Also ask them to tell you if they see him or her anywhere else.
Telling people who take care of your children the names of people who are allowed to pick them up. If you have a temporary protection order protecting your children, give their teachers, school administrators and babysitters a copy of it.
Not using the same stores or businesses that you did when you were with your abuser.
If you must speak with your abuser for visitation purposes, do the exchange in a public place; even at a police sub-station.