Domestic Violence Safety Plan

SAFETY DURING AN EXPLOSIVE INCIDENT
m  If an argument seems unavoidable, try to have it in a room or area that has access
      to an exit, and nor in the bathroom, kitchen, or anywhere near weapons.
m  Practice how to get out of your home safely. Identify which doors, windows, elevator,
     or stairwell would be best.
m  Have a packed bag ready and keep it in an undisclosed, but accessible, place in
      order to leave quickly.
m  Identify a neighbor you can tell about the violence and ask that they call 9-1-1 if they
      hear a disturbance coming from your home. Devise a code word to use with your
      children, family, and neighbors when you need help.
m  Decide and plan for where you will go if you have to leave home.
m  Use your own instincts and judgment. If the situation is very dangerous, consider
      giving the abuser what he wants to calm him down. You have the right to protect
      yourself.

SAFETY WHEN PREPARING TO LEAVE
m  Open a saving account in your own name to start to establish your independence.
m  Leave money, an extra set of copies of important documents, and extra clothes with
      someone you trust so that you may be able to leave quickly.
m  Determine who would be able to let you stay with them or lend you some money.
m  Leave the shelter phone number close at hand and keep some change or a calling
      card on you at all times.
m  Review your safety plan as often as possible in order to plan the safest way to
      leave. Remember that leaving is the most dangerous time.

SAFETY IN YOUR OWN HOME
m  Change the locks on your doors as soon as possible. Buy additional locks and
      safety devises to secure your windows.
m  Discuss a safety plan with your children.
m  Inform your children's school, day care, etc. about who has permission to pick up
      your children.
m  Inform neighbors and the landlord that your partner no longer lives with you and that
      they should call 9-1-1 if they see him near your home.

SAFETY WITH A PROTECTIVE ORDER
m  Keep your protective order on you at all times. Keep a copy of the order at the
      house for babysitters, etc. should your children be involved.
m  Call law enforcement if your partner breaks the order.
m  Think of alternative ways to keep safe if law enforcement does not respond right
      away.
m  Inform family, friends, and neighbors that you have a protective order in effect.

SAFETY ON THE JOB AND IN PUBLIC
m  Decide who at work you will inform of your situation. This should include office or
      building security.
m  Arrange to have someone screen your calls if possible.
m  Devise a safety plan for when you leave work. Have someone escort you to your
      transportation. Use a variety of routes if possible. Think about what you would do if
      something happened while going home.

YOUR SAFETY AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH
m  If you are thinking of returning to a potentially abusive situation, discuss an
      alternative plan with someone you trust.
m  If you have to communicate with your partner, determine the safest way to do so.
m  Plan to attend a women's or victim's support group for at least six to twelve weeks
      to gain support from others and to learn more about yourself and the relationship.       Domestic Violence outreach counseling is provided free of charge at Haven.
      (352) 787-5889

WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE WITH YOU

      • Identification
      • Driver's License
      • Children's Birth Certificate
      • Your Birth Certificate
      • Money
      • Lease, Rental Agreement, House Deed
      • Bank Books and Checkbooks
      • Insurance Papers
      • House and Car Keys
      • Medications
      • Small Salable Objects
      • Address Book
      • Pictures
      • Family Medical Records
      • Social Security Identification
      • Welfare Identification
      • School Records
      • Work Permits
      • Green Card/Passport
      • Divorce Papers

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS


LAW ENFORMCEMENT
Emergency ---------------------------------------------- 9-1-1
Lake County Sheriff's Office -------------- (352) 343-2101
Sumter County Sheriff's Office ----------- (352) 793-2621
Leesburg Police Dept.---------------------- (352) 787-2121
Tavares Police Dept. ----------------------- (352) 742-6200
Clermont Police Dept. --------------------- (352) 394-5588
Wildwood Police Dept. -------------------- (352) 330-1355

        DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES ABUSE HOTLINE: (800) 962-2873

Haven's Domestic
Violence Hotline:
(352) 753-5800

Haven's Sexual
Assault Hotline:
(352) 787-1379