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A Safety Plan for
Domestic Violence
A Plan For Protection
From Domestic Violence
Published by the Office of the
Administrator for the Courts and the Washington Supreme Court Pattern
Forms Committee, Olympia, Washington (June 1996)
1.
Safety During an Explosive Incident
-
If an argument seems
unavoidable, try to have it in a room or area that has access to an
exit and not in a bathroom, kitchen or anywhere near weapons.
-
Practice how to get out of
your home safely. Identify which doors, windows, elevator or
stairwell would be best.
-
Identify a neighbor you can
tell about the violence and ask that they 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 for where
you will go if you have to leave home (even if you don't think you
will need to).
-
Use your own instincts and
judgment. If the situation is very dangerous, consider giving the
abuser what he or she wants to calm him or her down. You have the
right to protect yourself until you are out of danger.
-
Always remember--You
don't deserve to be hit or threatened.
2. Safety
When Preparing to Leave
-
Open a savings account in
your own name to establish or increase your independence. Think of
other ways in which you can increase your independence.
-
Leave money, an extra set
of keys, copies of important documents and extra clothes with
someone you trust so you can leave quickly.
-
Determine who would be able
to let you stay with them or lend you some money.
-
Keep the shelter phone
number close at hand and keep some change or a calling card on you
at all times for emergency phone calls.
-
Review your safety plan as
often as possible in order to plan the safest way to leave your
batterer. Remember--Leaving your batterer is the most dangerous
time.
3. Safety
In Your Own Home
-
Change the locks on your
doors as soon as possible. Buy additional locks and safety devices
to secure your windows.
-
Discuss a safety plan with
your children for when you are not with them.
-
Inform your children's
school, day care, etc., about who has permission to pick up your
children.
-
Inform neighbors and
landlord that your partner no longer lives with you and that they
should call the police if they see him or her near your home.
4. Safety
With an Order for Protection
-
Keep your Order for
Protection on you at all times. (When you change your purse, that
should be the first thing that goes in it.)
-
Call the police if your
partner violates the Order for Protection.
-
Think of alternative ways
to keep safe if the police do not respond right away.
-
Inform family, friends and
neighbors that you have an Order for Protection in effect.
5. Safety
On the Job and In Public
-
Decide who at work you will
inform of 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 by if possible. Think
about what you would do if something happened while going home
(i.e., in your car, on the bus, etc.)
6. Your
Safety and 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 to do so.
-
Have positive thoughts
about yourself and be assertive with others about your needs.
-
Read books and articles to
help you feel stronger.
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Decide who you can call to
talk freely and openly to give you the support you need.
-
Plan to attend a women's or
victim's support group for at least 2 weeks to gain support from
others and learn more about yourself and the relationship.
7. If You
Are a Teen In a Violent Dating Relationship
-
Decide which friend,
teacher, relative or police officer you can tell.
-
Contact an advocate at the
court to get information on how to obtain an Order for Protection
and make a safety plan.
Checklist--What You Need to Take When You Leave:
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Identification
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Driver's license
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Children's birth
certificate
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Your birth certificate
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Money
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Lease, rental agreement,
house deed
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Bank books
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Checkbooks
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Insurance papers
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House and car keys
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Medications
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Small objects you could
sell
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Address book
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Pictures
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Medical records of all your
family members
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Social security card
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Welfare identification
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School records
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Work permits
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Green card
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Passport
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Divorce or paternity papers
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Jewelry
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Children's small toys
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Other
Organizations That Can Help
-
|
Police--emergency
response |
911 |
|
Domestic Violence
Recorded Information Line |
(206) 205-5555
|
|
WA State Domestic
Violence Hotline |
1-800-562-6025 |
The free
information contained in these pages is not intended
to be legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. You
should always consult with an attorney before taking any action. Feel free
to contact an attorney at MOGREN, GLESSNER & ROTI, P.S. at 425-255-4542 to
schedule an appointment and discuss these issues with you.
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MOGREN, GLESSNER & ROTI, Renton, Washington, 98057
Phone: (425) 255-4542
Our law firm is conveniently located in Renton, King County, WA, just off the freeway at the intersection of I-405 and I-167, easily accessible from Seattle and Bellevue Washington. Our
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The free information
and help contained in these pages is not intended to be legal advice, and
does not create an attorney-client relationship. You should always consult
with a lawyer before taking any legal action. Feel free to call us at
425-255-4542 for a free telephone consultation with a family law lawyer for
help regarding your marriage, divorce (contested or uncontested), custody,
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Phone: (425) 255-4542
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