Create a Safety Plan
(as provided by the Mayo Clinic)
Leaving an abuser can be dangerous. Consider taking these precautions:
as extra clothes and keys. Leave the bag in a safe place. Keep important
personal papers, money and prescription medications handy so that you can take
them with you on short notice.
Protect your communication and location
An abuser can use technology to monitor your telephone and online
communication and to track your physical location. If you're concerned for your
safety, seek help. To maintain your privacy:
Where to find help
In an emergency, call 911 — or your local emergency number or law enforcement
agency. The following resources also can help:
It can be hard to recognize or admit that you're in an abusive relationship —
but help is available. Remember, no one deserves to be abused.
(as provided by the Mayo Clinic)
Leaving an abuser can be dangerous. Consider taking these precautions:
- Call a women's shelter or domestic violence hotline for advice. Make the
call at a safe time — when the abuser isn't around — or from a friend's house or
other safe location.
as extra clothes and keys. Leave the bag in a safe place. Keep important
personal papers, money and prescription medications handy so that you can take
them with you on short notice.
- Know exactly where you'll go and how you'll get there.
Protect your communication and location
An abuser can use technology to monitor your telephone and online
communication and to track your physical location. If you're concerned for your
safety, seek help. To maintain your privacy:
- Use phones cautiously. Your abuser might intercept calls
and listen to your conversations. He or she might use caller ID, check your
cellphone or search your phone billing records to see your complete call and
texting history. - Use your home computer cautiously. Your abuser might use
spyware to monitor your emails and the websites you visit. Consider using a
computer at work, the library or at a friend's house to seek help. - Remove GPS devices from your vehicle. Your abuser might use
a GPS device to pinpoint your location. - Frequently change your email password. Choose a password
that would be impossible for your abuser to guess. - Clear your viewing history. Follow your browser's
instructions to clear any record of websites or graphics you've
viewed.
Where to find help
In an emergency, call 911 — or your local emergency number or law enforcement
agency. The following resources also can help:
- Someone you trust. Turn to a friend, loved one, neighbor,
co-worker, or religious or spiritual adviser for support. - National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE or
800-799-7233. Call the hotline for crisis intervention and referrals to
resources, such as women's shelters. - Your health care provider. Doctors and nurses will treat
injuries and can refer you to safe housing and other local resources. - A local women's shelter or crisis center. Shelters and
crisis centers typically provide 24-hour emergency shelter, as well as advice on
legal matters and advocacy and support services. - A counseling or mental health center. Counseling and
support groups for women in abusive relationships are available in most
communities. - A local court. Your district court can help you obtain a
restraining order that legally mandates the abuser to stay away from you or face
arrest. Local advocates may be available to help guide you through the
process.
It can be hard to recognize or admit that you're in an abusive relationship —
but help is available. Remember, no one deserves to be abused.
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