DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SAFETY PLANS

If you are living with the abuser:

Call 911 if you are in danger

Teach your children how to dial 911 and rehearse what they should say.

Tell trusted neighbors, friends, family members, co-workers about your >situation and check in with them and advise them to call 911 if you are in danger. (Decide on a code word to use with your children, family, friends and neighbors when you need the police.)

If you have access to a cell phone, keep it with you at all times.

Educate yourself about shelters and resources available for domestic violence victims. Abused Persons Program (240) 777-4210.

During an argument, stay out of rooms where you know there are weapons such as guns, knives, tools (ex. Kitchen)

Practice how to get out of your home safely. Decide which doors, windows, elevator, or stairwell would be best. Review this with your children.

Keep an extra house key and car key in a separate and secret place outside the home (ex. with a trusted neighbor)

Educate yourself about Protective Orders by contacting the Takoma Park Victim Assistant, (301) 891-7147, or the Abused Persons Program, (240) 777-4195.

Plan where you will go if you have to leave in a hurry. For example: a shelter, a friend's or relative's home (even if you don't think you need to).

Be sure to have copies of all important documents, e.g. birth certificates, marriage license, passports, alien cards, tax returns, bank statements, bank checks and savings accounts, medical insurance information, legal documents, and keep copies in a safe place outside of home.

Open a savings account and/or credit card in your name.

Get your own post office box. You can privately receive checks and letters.

Keep an "escape bag" with money, clothing, toys for the children, snacks, important telephone numbers, and anything else you might need if leaving quickly. Critical items such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication, appointment calendars and updated pictures of your children. Put it in a place where it cannot be found by the abuser (at a friend's or relative's house, with a trusted neighbor or at your workplace).

Use your own instincts and judgement. If you feel unsafe call, call 911 or the Abused Person's Crisis Line (240) 777-4673 and leave if possible.

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