Developing a Safety Plan

Steps to take while you're in the relationship:

• Pack clothes for you and your children and a list of the addresses and telephone numbers of relatives and close friends who may be able to help you. Keep the suitcase in the home of a friend or neighbor or hide it in your home where you can get to it easily.
• Have an extra set of keys to your home and car. Keep these hidden in your suitcase.
• Teach your children how to use the phone to reach the police or fire department.
• Collect and save evidence (such as names and addresses of witnesses, pictures of your injuries, police and medical reports.)
• Develop a code word that you can use with your children or a friend so they can call for help when you can't.
• Take extra cash (be sure to have enough cash or possibly an extra credit card to cover you for a couple of days in your suitcase), savings books, checkbooks, credit cards, and any other special valuables.
• Take something comforting for the children such as a favorite toy or book.
• Take legal documents such as identification, birth certificates, Social Security card, driver's license, marriage certificate, your restraining order, documentation of car ownership, medication, court papers, and other legal documents.
  Keep these where you can get to them easily and quickly. You may need these documents for a number of reasons.

IF YOU NEED HELP CREATING THIS PLAN YOU MAY ASK PLAINSBORO TWP. POLICE DETECTIVES, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE TEAM COUNSELORS, OR A CLOSE AND TRUSTED FRIEND.

Steps to take after you have left the relationship:

• After you get a restraining order, make copies of the order and take one to your local police for their files. You should probably give a copy to all of the following people: your children's school, day care center, or baby-sitter; a neighbor or nearby relative, someone where you live or work, such as a security guard.
• Keep a copy of your restraining order with you at all times.
• If you remain in the home, change locks, get a security system and put in bright lights outside.
• Get someone at work to screen your calls, if you can.
• Avoid stores, restaurants, bank, and other places that you used to use and where your partner may go looking for you.
• Join a support group.

SUPPORT IS JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY
(609) 799-2333

Call anytime and ask to speak with a counselor.