Whether you decide to leave or stay, the Domestic Violence Intervention Center can help. Please call us at 334.749.1515. We will present to you a range of options for your safety.
If you live with someone who is abusing you, you need to think about taking care of yourself.
Leaving a violent home does not mean that all of your problems are over. The person that has abused you may react in unpredictable ways.
A safety plan will help you identify possible ways to protect yourself and your children. The plan will make you more aware of your personal and community resources. Also, it will help you to identify the signs and situations that may precede a violent episode.
You are not powerless or locked into a battering relationship. If you are unable to leave at this time, you can still protect yourself by doing certain things that will make it easier for you to leave later.
Put these things together in a place where you can reach them quickly. You may think about leaving some of these items at a friend’s, neighbor’s or relative’s house, at work, anyplace that you will be safe when it is time to retrieve the items when they are needed.
When you leave, be sure to take the following important items if you have them:
- Driver’s license
- Keys
- Telephone/utility bills
- Green cards
- Insurance papers
- Property deed
- Money
- Children’s school records
- Birth certificates
- Social Security cards
- Passports
- Pictures
- Medication(s)
- Address book
- Bank book
- Car ownership papers
- Lease/rental
- Medical records
- Checkbook
- Credit cards
- Divorce and custody papers
- Jewelry
Try to get a joint bank account or an account in your own name.
Hide an extra set of car keys outside or at a neighbor’s house. Plan where you will go, and how you will get there in case you have to leave suddenly.
Pack an extra set of clothing for yourself and your children. Store these items with a neighbor, friend, or family member – someplace where you can get them safely if needed.