If you are in immediate danger, DO NOT bother with these things. Things can be replaced. You and your children CANNOT be. Also, some of these tips might not be right for your situation. Just take the tips that you can use and leave the rest.
Prepare a Safe Room in Your HomeChoose a room with a window. Have a telephone in that room (maybe even a cordless phone). Arrange a signal for help with a neighbor. Find a Safe Shelter and Know How You Will Get to ItCall the closest shelter. Start Talking to PeopleTalk to substance abuse people (if it pertains). Talk to a lawyer to learn your rights. Make a trustworthy friend. Document the AbuseGet photos taken of damage to yourself or to property. Get medical attention and have it in your medical records. Show injuries to a friend. Make copies of bills for damage to property. Make copies of your hospital bills. Papers You Should Have a Copy Of:Social Sevices papers. Social Security numbers for you and children. Utility receipts. Receipts for property you have paid for. Car title and registration. Tax records. Bank statements and pagers. Identification You Should HaveBirth Certificates. Driver's license. MoneyOpen your own bank account. Save pay-stubs. KeysHouse keys Safety deposit box keys Post office box keys Pack a Suitcase(or Even a Garbage Bag) and Hide It In:Under Bed At Neighbor's Church Public Locker Garage Pack:Pack your most treasured possessions. He/She knows what to destroy to hurt you: Wedding pictures, jewelry, old letters, children's pictures, children's favorite toys, and other valued possessions. Pack an address book with your most important addresses and phone numbers. Hide everything in the house that could be used as a weapon against you. Try to leave while your abuser is away from home or ask the police to help you get out. Do not worry about being fair or giving him the benefit of the doubt. Protect yourself! If you cannot take your children with you, do not assume that you will lose custody because of abandoment. Leaving because of abuse is legimate. But if at all possible, take them with you. It is important to contact an attorney about your parental rights as soon as possible (if you leave them). If you fear your children are in danger, contact social services or the police. This was adapted for this page. The original information was compiled by the Domestic Violence Project, Iowa City, Iowa |