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Safety Tips
Recognizing Domestic Violence
Please click here to help recognize if you or someone you care about is being abused: http://www.fjchc.org/domestic/whatisdv.html
Safety Planning
Personal safety is a priority for all the victims in the home, including the children. While developing a safety plan there are two decisions to consider*:
1. The decision to stay
2. The decision to leave
If the decision is to stay . . .
Plan for emergencies that may occur.
Think of a safe place to go if an argument occurs. Avoid rooms with no
exits (bathrooms) or rooms with weapons (kitchen).
Communicate with child (or children) about safe areas in the house, running to
a neighbor, calling for help, and staying away from the abuser.
Reassure the children that their job is to stay safe, not to protect the
victim.
Be aware that current technology allows an abuser to use phone redial,
caller ID, and numerous other codes to trace incoming and outgoing
phone calls.
Communicate with family members, friends, and co-workers. Develop
a support system.
Call the police if there is danger.
Consider gathering and packing items for an "escape bag." This will
allow for a quick escape if the situation escalates. This bag may
include: spare keys, spare change, copies of important papers (birth
certificates, Social Security cards, driver's license, and important
phone numbers), change of clothes, and items needed for babies or
children. Consider having a friend or family member keep this for you.
If the decision is to leave . . .
When I leave, I should have**
1. Identification for myself
2. Children's birth certificate
3.
My birth certificate
4.
Social security cards
5.
School and vaccination records
6.
Money
7.
Checkbook, ATM (Automatic Tellers Machine) card
8.
Credit cards
9.
Keys - house/car/office
10.
Driver's license and registration
11.
Medication
12.
Welfare identification, work permits
13.
Green card, Passport(s), Divorce papers
14.
Medical records - for all family members
15.
Lease/rental agreement, house deed, mortgage payment book
16.
Bank books, Insurance papers
17.
Small saleable objects
18.
Address book
19.
Pictures, jewelry
20.
Children's favorite toys and/or blankets
21.
Items of special sentimental value
* Compiled from CASA website at http://www.casa-stpete.org/safetyplan.htm
**Compiled from Metro Police website
Create your safety planning worksheet by clicking on this link:
http://www.fjchc.org/domestic/resources/safetyplanPDF.pdf
Florida
Information
National
Information
Shelters Within the US
If
you need a referral to a domestic violence shelter or program in your area, call
the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or (800)
787-3224 (TTY).
For more resources for victims, advocates and researchers, please see our section Resources.
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