Domestic  Violence  Safety  Plan

If you have been hit by your partner, or are afraid and controlled by your partner’s intimidating behavior, the information below can help you make a safety plan.

SAFETY DURING AN EXPLOSIVE ARGUMENT  

• If an argument seems unavoidable, try to have it in a room or area with an exit and not in the bathroom, kitchen or anywhere near weapons.
• Practice how to get out of your home safely. Identify which doors, windows, elevators or stairs would be best.
• Have a packed bag ready and keep it in a secret place so you can leave quickly.
• Identify a neighbor you can tell about the violence and ask them to 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.
• If the situation is very dangerous, use your own instincts and judgements to keep yourself and your children safe. Call the police as soon as it is safe to do so.

SAFETY WHEN PREPARING TO LEAVE

• Determine who will let you stay with them or lend you some money.
• Always try to take your children with you or make arrangement to leave them with someone else.
• Leave money, extra keys, copies of important documents and clothes with someone you trust.
• Open a savings account in your own name to establish or increase your financial independence. 
• Keep the shelter numbers close by and keep change or a calling card with you at all times.
• Review your safety plan with a domestic violence advocate to plan the safest way to leave your batterer.

SAFETY ON THE JOB AND IN PUBLIC

• At work, decide who you will tell about 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 if possible. Think about what you would do if something happened while going home.

SAFETY WITH A RESTRAINING ORDER

• 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, 155 West Elm Street, Brockton or Brockton Probate Court, 132 Belmont St, Brockton.
• Restraining orders don’t last forever - be sure you know when yours expires.
• Keep your restraining order with you at all times. leave extra copies at work, with a friend, in your car, etc.
• 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 that you have a restraining order in effect.
• Try to avoid places where your batterer

SAFETY IN YOUR HOME

• 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 children for when you are not with them.
• Inform your children’s school or daycare about who has permission to pick up your 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.

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.
• 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.

What You Need To Take When You Leave Checklist

• Identification
• Driver’s license, car title & registration
• Children’s birth certificates
• Your birth and marriage certificates
• Money, credit cards, ATM card, telephone calling card
• Restraining order/Probate Court orders
• Lease, rental agreements, house deed
• Checkbooks, bankbooks, & withdrawal slips
• Health insurance or medical cards
• Insurance papers
• House and car keys
• Medication and prescriptions
• Small objects you can sell
• Address book
• Pictures
• Medical records for all family members
• Social security card for self and children
• Welfare identification
• School records
• Work permits
• Green card/immigration papers
• Passport for self and children
• Divorce papers
• Jewelry
• Children's small toys
• Pets, if you can
• Other

IF YOU ARE AN OLDER ADULT

...if you are a battered woman over the age of 60 and unable to carry out a safety plan, call (508) 588-8255, WOMANSPLACE CRISIS CENTER or (508) 584-8120, OFFICE OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY MICHAEL SULLIVAN. A worker will discuss your situation and assist you confidentially

COMMUNITY  RESOURCES

Brockton Family and Community Resources, Inc., Domestic Violence Action Program
 24 hour crisis line 1-800-281-6498
Office 508-583-5200
Confidential, free services for battered women and their children

Womansplace Crisis Center
24 hour crisis line 508-586-2141
Office 508-588-8255
Confidential, free service for battered women and their children

Brockton District Court Family Violence Advocacy Center
155 West Elm Street
Brockton, MA 
Mon. - Fri. 8:30am - 4:30pm
508-584-2966

Brockton Police Department
Domestic Violence Unit
508-941-0200