If you have been abused by your partner, or are afraid and controlled by your partner's intimidating behavior, the information provided here can help you make a safety plan .

Or you can print the Safety Plan brochure by Clicking Here

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 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 tel l 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 judgements to keep yourself safe.

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 name only to establish
and increase your financial independence.
Don't let the abuser know that you are planning on
leaving.
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.
Don't let the abuser know that you are planning on
leaving.

SAFETY ON THE JOB AND IN PUBLIC

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.

SAFETY WITH AN INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION

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.
Go to the Clerk of the Court's office in the most
convenient county courthouse. Bring identification and
any papers related to your case.
There is no fee to file the petition .
After you file the petition, a judge will review it and
determine whether a temporary order can be issued. If
the temporary is issued, it is valid for 15 days, or until
a hearing can be held in front of a judge to determine
if the order will be extended .
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.

SAFETY IN YOUR HOME

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 ca re 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.

YOUR SAFETY & EMOTIONAL HEALTH

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 your self
and the relationship.
The Women 's Center has a free Domestic Violence
Support group on Monday mornings from 10:00 to
11:30. Serene Harbor (726-8282) has a group that meets
on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:00. (Childcare available)
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 (Click Here for brochure with more details).