Example of Safety Plan

If you have never left your abuser, many have never heard of an exit strategy/safety plan. This is an example of one. Feel free to edit, print, or download it in Google Docs and keep it there under a fake file name. It is just a checklist of all the stuff you should have ready to go. 

SAFETY PLANNING 

Though it is not your responsibility to stop the abuser’s behavior, you can work on ways to increase your safety. 

You have a right to be safe. 

SAFETY WHILE PHYSICAL VIOLENCE IS OCCURRING

 1. Practice how to get out of your home safely. Identify which doors, windows, or stairwells would be best. 

2. Have a packed bag ready & keep it at a relative or friend's home. 

3. Identify neighbors you can tell about the violence. Ask them to call the police if they hear a disturbance at your home.

 4. Choose a code word to use with your children, family, friends & neighbors when you need the police. 

5. Decide & plan for where you will go if you have to leave - even if you don't think right now that you'll need to. 

6. Use your own instincts and judgment. 

SAFETY IN YOUR OWN HOME

 1. Change the locks on your doors as soon as possible. Buy additional locks & safety devices to secure your windows.

 2. Discuss a safety plan with your children for when you are not with them.

 3. Tell your children's school, daycare, etc., who is allowed to pick up the children. 

4. Tell neighbors & landlord that your partner no longer lives with you & that they should call the police if they see them near your home. 

SAFETY ON THE JOB & IN PUBLIC

 1. Choose whom at work you will tell about the violence. Include office/building security. Provide a picture of your abuser.

 2. Arrange to have an answering machine, caller ID or trusted friend or relative screen your calls if possible.

 3. Have someone escort you to transportation & wait with you until you leave. If possible, use a variety of routes to go home.

YOUR SAFETY & EMOTIONAL HEALTH 

1. If you have to communicate with your abuser, choose the safest way to do so. 

2. Have positive thoughts about yourself & be clear with others about your needs. Practice self-care. 

3. Decide whom you can talk to freely & openly to give you the support you need. 

4. Attend a support group. 

CHECKLIST: WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE WHEN YOU LEAVE

 Identification  Driver's license  Children's birth certificates  Your birth certificate  Social security card  Welfare identification Financial  Money and/or credit cards  Bankbooks  Checkbooks Legal Papers  Relief from Abuse Order  Divorce papers  Custody papers  Lease, rental agreement, house deed  Car registration & insurance  Health & life insurance papers  Medical records for you & children  Work permits/Green card/VISA  Passport Other  House & car keys  Medications  Address book  Phone card  Pictures of you, children & the abuser  Children's small toys  Toiletries/diapers  Change of clothes for you & children  Small, sellable items  Jewelry 

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

24-Hour Emergency Services  Statewide line to local domestic violence programs - 1-800-ABUSE 95 (228-7395)  Statewide line to reach court staff after business hours, at night, and on weekends and holidays - 1- 800-540-9990 Fill In Your Local Phone Numbers Law Enforcement: Local barracks of the State police

_____________________________ Local police department: _____________________________ County Sheriff's department: _____________________________ Medical Services: Physician: _____________________________ Pediatrician: _____________________________ Ambulance Service: _____________________________ Hospital Emergency Room: _____________________________ Legal Assistance: Vermont Legal Aid: _____________________________ Victim Advocate in the State's Attorney's Office: ______________________________ Your Attorney: ________________