• Safety During an Explosive Argument

• Safety When Preparing to Leave

• Safety on the Job or In Public

• Safety with a Restraining Order

• Safety in Your Home

• Your Safety and Emotional Healing

• If an argument seems unavoidable, try to have it in a room or area with an exit not a bathroom, kitchen or anywhere near weapons.

• Practice how to get out of the house safely.

• Have a packed bag ready and keep it in a safe place.

• Identify a neighbor you can tell about your situation and ask them to call the police if they hear a disturbance coming from your house.

• Devise a code word to use with your children, family and friends when you need the police.

• If the situation is very dangerous, use your own judgment to keep yourself and your children safe.  Call the police as soon as it is safe to do.

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• Determine who will let you stay with them or lend you some money.

• Always try to take your children with you or make arrangements to leave them with someone else.

• Leave money, extra keys, copies of important documents and clothes with someone you trust.

• Open savings account in your own name to establish financial independence.

• Keep the shelter numbers close by and keep change or calling cards with you at all times.

• Review the safety plan with a domestic violence advocate.

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• At work, decide who you will tell about your situation.  This should include office or building security.

• Arrange to have someone screen your telephone calls, if possible.

• Devise a safety plan for you when you leave work.  Have someone escort you to your car, bus or train. Use a variety of routes when you go home.

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• When criminal charges are filed against your batterer, be sure to let the police and court know that you want a restraining order.

• You can get a restraining order at Brockton District Court or Brockton Probate Court.

• Restraining orders do not last forever.  Be sure you know when yours expires.

• Keep your restraining order with you at all times.

• Call the police immediately if your partner breaks the restraining order.

• Think of alternative ways to keep safe if the police do not respond right away.

• Inform family, friends and neighbors if you have a restraining order in effect.

• Try to avoid places where you batterer will go.

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• Inform neighbors and landlord that your partner no longer lives with you, and they should call the police if they see your abuser near your home.

• Rehearse a safety plan with your plan with your children for when you are not with them.

• Inform your children's school and day care about who has permission to pick up  the children.  Give school authorities a copy of your restraining order.

• Change/add locks to your doors and windows as soon as possible.

• Change your telephone number.

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• If you are thinking of returning to a potentially aggressive 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.

• Plan to attend a support group for at least two weeks to gain support from others and learn more about yourself and the relationship.

• Decide who you can call freely and openly to give you the support you need.

• Read articles, books and poetry to help you feel stronger.

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Always Remember: YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO FEEL SAFE IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP.