• If a violent incident seems unavoidable, try to get to an area where you have access to an exit. Try to avoid the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom or any location that there may be weapons.
• Plan and practice getting away safely. Identify which doors, windows, elevators, or stairwells are your best way out!
• Have a bag packed and keep it at a relative’s, friend’s or neighbor’s home in case you need to leave quickly.
• Identify one or more neighbors you can tell about the violence. Ask that they call the police if they hear a disturbance coming from your home.
• Develop a signal for neighbors, friends or relatives such as a certain window blind pulled, a light on that alerts them that you are in danger and you need them to call the police.
• Devise a code word you can tell your children, family, friends, and neighbors when you need them to call the police.
• Identify a safe location and develop a plan to get there if you have to leave quickly.
• Trust your judgment! If the situation seems dangerous, consider giving the batterer what they want to calm them down. You may have to cooperate to protect yourself until you are out of danger.

Always remember—You don’t deserve to be hurt or threatened.

• Open a bank account and/or credit card in your own name to start to establish or enhance your independence.
• Get your own post office box so you can privately receive checks, letters and other correspondence.
• Leave money, an extra set of keys, copies of important documents, extra medicines, and clothes with someone you trust in case you need to leave quickly.
• Determine who you could stay with if you need to leave suddenly.
• Keep emergency numbers close at hand. Try to keep some change or a calling card with you at all times for emergency phone calls. You can get a 911 cell phone free of charge by contacting HAVIN, Inc. at 724-548-8888 or 1-800-841-8881.
• Remember leaving your batterer can be the most dangerous time. Review and update your safety plan often.

• Change the locks on your doors. Buy additional locks and safety devices to secure windows.
• Create a safety plan with your children for when you are not with them.
• Screen your incoming phone calls using an answering machine, caller ID, or a trusted friend or relative.
• Inform neighbors and landlord that your partner no longer lives with you and that they should call the police if they see him near your home.
• Document incidents of violence include dates, times locations and witnesses.

• Keep your PFA with you at all times. Give a copy to a trusted neighbor, friend or family member
• Call the police if your partner violates the PFA.
• Develop a plan to protect yourself and your children while you are waiting for the police to arrive.
• Inform your children’s school, day care, etc. about who has permission to pick up your children. Inform family, friends, neighbors, and your physician that you have a PFA.

• Decide who at work you will inform about your situation. Include office and building security. Provide a picture of your batterer if possible.
• Devise a safety plan for when you leave work. Have someone escort you to your car or the bus and wait with you until you are safely on your way. Vary the route you take to and from work.
• If your batterer is following you, don’t go home or to an isolated area—go to a public location, preferably the police station.

Remember—You are not alone.

• Choose a friend, teacher, relative or police officer you can feel safe talking to.
• Call HAVIN’s 24-hour hotline. We can help kids too! Remember abuse is never your fault.

Driver’s license
Birth certificate
Social Security Card

Money
ATM Card
ACCESS Card
Credit Cards
Check book
Savings Account Information

Protection from Abuse Order
Lease, deed or mortgage for your residence
Vehicle—owners card, title
Insurance cards—car, health, life
Medical records
School records
Divorce and/or Custody papers

Keys—vehicle, home, safety deposit box, post office
Medications
Photographs
Sentimental keepsakes
Children’s favorite toy, blanket, etc.
Clothing
Toiletries and personal care items

Always remember things can be replaced, but you and your children cannot!

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