Stepping Stones Agencies - Prescott, Arizona - Emergency shelter, advocacy, support for women and children victims of domestic violence and abuse

Safety Plan

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A. THINGS YOU CAN HAVE IN PLACE IN CASE OF A VIOLENT INCIDENT

Make an extra copy of the house/car keys and keep the in a secret place, preferably outside your home.
Tell ___________ about the violence and request they call the police if they hear suspicious noises.
Teach your children how to call the police.
Teach your children to be safe by developing their own plan, i.e. stay in their bedroom during arguments, leave the house and go to a neighbor/friends, call 911 and/or tell a relative.
Develop a code word with your children and friends so they can call for help.
During an argument, try to avoid rooms with no outside door or those containing potential weapons.
Call the police (911) and if possible, get an automatic dial phone.
If you have to leave, identify where you can go.

B. SAFETY WHEN PREPARING TO LEAVE

Call your nearest shelter and keep in contact with the advocates in order to feel supported and stay focused.
DO NOT threaten to leave or say you are leaving your partner.
Save a little money each week and put it in a place only you know about.
Open your own savings account to increase independence.
* Make sure bank statements are mailed somewhere else *
Identify the domestic violence shelter closest to your house and have the phone number close at hand.
Arrange for a place to stay, anytime of the day or night.
Locate the closest telephone to your house. If it is a pay phone, always have change available in the house or hidden outside.
Pack some clothes for you and your children, and place them in a safe place (with friends, family or at work).
Organize your important papers together (or make copies), an extra set of keys, extra medicines and put them in a place you can easily get to.
Rehearse your escape plan and, if appropriate, practice it with your children.

C. SAFETY WITH AN ORDER OF PROTECTION

DO NOT in any way contact your partner while you have an order of protection.
Keep your order of protection on you at all times and give a copy to a trusted neighbor or family member.
Call the police once the order of protection is violated.
Think of alternative ways to keep safe.
Inform you family, friends, neighbors and others that you have an order of protection in effect.
Remember that orders of protection don't guarantee safety.

D. SAFETY ON THE JOB & IN PUBLIC

Have your place of business listed on your order of protection.
Decided who at work you will inform of your situation, including office or building security. Provide a picture of your abuser.
Discuss how co-workers or supervisors should respond if your abuser shows up at work.
Arrange to have an answering machine, caller ID, or a trusted friend or relative screen your calls if possible.
Devise a safety plan for when you leave work. Have someone escort you to your car or bus and wait until you leave.

E. THOUGHTS ON CLEAR DECISIONS

Do not use drugs of alcohol. Stay clear and focused. Call for support!
Call an advocate at Stepping Stones 24/7 for support & help staying focused on your goals.
Come to Stepping Stones ........................
Make an appointment with an advocate at Stepping Stones to come in and help you design a more detailed and strategic safety plan, and/or to help set goals for personal growth & self-sufficiency.