Safety Plan "C" Your Home
Domestic Violence Safety Plan "C" - Is for when you have time to leave and you own your home, or apartment. I know that sounds odd, but dead people don't reside in houses.
SUCCESS is getting you and your kids out alive. Be prepared to revert back to Domestic Violence
Safety Plan "A"
- Get Out Now from Domestic Violence Safety Plan "C".
Before moving forward, speak with an attorney to get advice on your legal options.
If your abuser is arrested and removed from the premises, can you stay there safely, or will you be in danger within a few days? Moving out for a while and renting your place might be the safest option, but only you can make that decision.
If you can stay there safely, immediately get a restraining order, change the locks, and make the changes for securing your home.
Plan ahead incase you have to leave. Enlist the help of someone you can trust, family member, friend, co-worker... NOT someone your abuser could be jealous of!
Make a code word – so that your helper will know two (2) things:
(A) that you have to leave now, and
(B) that if you don't call within a certain time, the helper is to call the police.
If there is a chance that you cannot stay there safely, leave these items with your helper:
An Emergency Bag:
one change of clothes for each of you and your kids,
toiletries – just in case,
Emergency Documents
– Completed, or as much as possible,
Journal/Dairy of Abuse –
Domestic Violence Proof
As You Leave, Take:
Medicine,
Checkbook and cash,
Credit cards – use only if it is in your name alone and the abuser doesn't have access to the account.
Car Keys ONLY if there is no tracking devise attached to your car like a GPS, otherwise get a ride.
Most recent journal/Diary of abuse since leaving the original Paper Trail of Abuse with your helper.
Go immediately to your county court house and get a restraining order to protect you and your kids against.
Once you have a restraining order, if you need to get something from your home, go to the local police station. Ask for an escort to return to your home to get any other belongings you may need. You won't have more than about 30 minutes, so plan ahead. You will have to get the rest of your belongings through a mutual friend, or an attorney until you can legally remove your abuser.
Please know that I am not saying you will lose your ability to live in your home. I am saying that for your safety, keep your options open. You may not be safe for a while if your abuser knows where you are.
Remember the school and work safety information from the last two (2) paragraphs of the Safety Plan Page.
