What You Can Do
Consider taking any or all of the following steps, which could keep you and your children safe from further violence:
If an argument seems unavoidable, try to have it in an area that has access to an exit and not in a bathroom or anywhere there are weapons.
Practice how to get out of your home safely. Identify which doors, windows, elevators, or stairwells would be best.
Identify a neighbor you can tell about the violence and ask that they call the police if they hear a disturbance in your home.
Devise a code to use with your children, family, friends, and neighbors when you need the police.
Leave money, an extra set of keys, copies of important papers, and extra clothes with someone you trust or store them away from your house.
Determine who would be able to let you stay with them or lend you some money.
Memorize the shelter telephone number and keep some change or a calling card on you at all times.
Once You Get an Injunction
Keep your injunction with you at all times.
Change you telephone number, purchase an answering machine, or have someone screen your calls, if possible.
Devise a safety plan for getting to your car when leaving home or work.
Change the locks on your doors as soon as possible and add locks and safety devices for all your windows.
Inform your children's school, day care, etc., about who has permission to pick them up.
Inform neighbors, landlords, and employers that your partner no longer lives with you, you have an injunction, and they should call the police if your partner comes around.
Report any threats, intimidation, or harassment to law enforcement immediately.
What To Take When You Leave
- Identification
- Driver's License
- Children's Birth Certificates
- Money
- Lease, Rental Agreement, Deed
- Checking/Savings Books
- Insurance Papers
- House and Car Keys
- Medications/Medical Records
- Address Book
- Pictures
- Social Security Card
- Public Assistance ID
- School Records
- Work Permits/Green Cards
- Passports
- Divorce Papers
- Jewelry
- Children's Small Toys