The following steps offer a plan for increasing your safety and preparing in advance for the possibility of further violence. This will help you plan on how to best get yourself and your children to safety. For more information, please visit Family Abuse Services or call 336-226-5982.
Safety in an Abusive Relationship
Use some or all of the following strategies if you consider leaving:
- Have important phone numbers nearby for you and your children – Police, Friends/Family, Family Abuse Services Crisis Line: (336) 226-5985
- Think about potential living alternatives if you decide to leave your home.
- Put together a bag of items you use every day. Hide it or keep it at someone’s house.
- Open a bank account in your name.
- Think about how you might leave. Try doing things that get you out of the house – taking out the trash, walking the dog, or going to the store. Practice how you would leave.
- Use your judgment and intuition.
- Think about 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.
- Think about reviewing your safety plan often.
Items to take when leaving:
- Identification
- Drivers license and registration
- Lease/rental agreement, house deed, mortgage payment information
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Children’s birth certificates
- Social security cards
- School and vaccination records
- Medical records – for all family members
- Money
- Keys (house, car, office)
- Medication
- Bank account information, insurance papers
- Checkbook, ATM card, credit cards
- Important addresses
- Pictures, jewelry
- Children’s favorite toys or blankets
- Extra clothes
- Items of special significant value
