Domestic Violence Safety  Plan                                                                                           

SAFETY DURING AN EXPLOSIVE INCIDENT

• If an argument seems unavoidable, try to have it in a room or area with an exit and not in the bathroom, kitchen or anywhere near things that can be used as  weapons.

• Practice how to get out of your home safely. Identify which windows, elevator or stairs would be best.

• Have a packed bag ready and keep it in a secret but accessible place so you can leave quickly.

• Identify a neighbor you can tell about the violence and ask them to call the police if they hear a disturbance coming from your home.

• Devise a code word to use with your children, family, friends and neighbors when you need the police.

• Decide and plan where you will go if you leave home (even if you don’t think you will need to).

• If the situation is very dangerous, use your own instincts and judgment to keep yourself safe. Call the police as soon as it is safe to do so.

SAFETY WHEN PREPARING TO LEAVE

• Determine who will let you stay with them or lend you some money.

• Always try to take your children with you or make arrangements to leave them with someone safe.

• Leave money, extra keys, and copies of important documents and clothes with someone you trust.

• Open a savings account in your own name to establish and increase your financial independence.

• Keep the shelter numbers close by and keep change or a calling card with you at all times.

• Review your safety plan with a domestic violence advocate to plan the safest way to leave your batterer.

• At work, decide whom you will tell about your situation. This should include office or building security (provide a picture of your batterer if possible).
• Arrange to have someone screen your telephone calls if possible.
• Devise a safety plan for when you leave work. Have someone escort you to your car, bus or train. Use a variety of routes to go home if possible. Think about what you would do if something happened while going home.

• If you are being physically or sexually abused or threatened, there is a law to protect you. Under Florida Statute 741.30 and 784.146, you have the right to go to court and file a petition requesting an injunction for protection from domestic violence. This petition tells the judge what physical or sexual violence you have suffered and exactly what protection you need.
• Contact the Women’s Center to speak with the victim advocate about filing an injunction for protection.
• There is an attorney on staff at the Women’s Center who can provide representation at injunction hearings and offers legal advice regarding the implications of custody, visitation and child support matters.
• Go to the Clerk of the Court’s office in the most convenient county courthouse. Bring identification and any papers related to your case.
• You can file a petition even if you cannot afford to pay the court fees. Tell the Clerk that you cannot afford the $50.00 fee and you will be asked to provide some information for a waiver petition.
• Keep your copy of the injunction with you at all times. Leave extra copies at work, with a friend, in your car, etc.
• Call the police if your partner violates the terms of the injunction.
• Think of alternative ways to keep safe if the police do not respond right away.
• Inform family, friends and neighbors that you have an injunction order in effect.
• Try to avoid places where your batterer might go.

• Inform neighbors and landlord that your partner no longer lives with you and that they should call the police if they see your abuser near your home.
• Rehearse safety plan with your children for when you are not with them.

• Inform your children’s school or day care about who has permission to pick up your children. (Give school authorities a copy of the injunction.)

• Change/add locks on your doors and windows as soon as possible.

• Change your telephone number.

• If you are thinking of returning to a potentially abusive situation, discuss an alternative plan with someone you trust.

• If you have to communicate with your partner, determine the safest way.

• Have positive thoughts about yourself and be assertive with others about your needs.

• Plan to attend a support group for at least two weeks to gain support from others and learn more about yourself and the relationship.

• The Women’s Center has a free Domestic Violence Support group on Monday evenings from 5:30 to 7:00.

• Call about other groups and locations.

• Decide whom you can call freely and openly to give you the support you need.

• Read articles, books and poetry to help you feel stronger.

ALWAYS REMEMBER – You have the right to feel safe in your relationship. You are not alone. There are several agencies that can help.