PREPARING FOR A SAFE PATH
You have the right to live free from violence. You deserve to be listened to and supported. You have the right to your own opinion and the right to pursue your own happiness! You deserve to realize your own dreams.
Domestic Violence is a crime, and can affect anyone. It has lasting effect on adults and children.
Creating a Safety Plan and thinking through your options and resources can make a difference between life and death. Trust your instincts and take measures that ensure you and your children’s welfare. Awaken is here for you 24/7. We are only a call away….
Making the Environment Safe
- Remove or secure firearms.
- During volatile situations, stay away from rooms that do not have an exit, or rooms that may have weapons.
- Obtain a rope ladder to escape from second floor locations.
- Remove or minimize alcohol and drug use.
- Open blinds and curtains to maintain a view for outsiders who might be able to call 911 on your behalf.
- Teach children how and when to call 911
Preparing for a quick exit
- Always know where your purse, wallet and keys are located
- Create digital copies or photographs of any important or legal documents.
- Prepare an escape bag with essentials, store in trunk of car or with friends or family.
- Open a bank account or stash money with a friend that you can get to in the event of need.
- Keep emergency numbers programmed into your phone or keep a list on your person.
- Keep your cell phone with you, and turn your location services off once you are free of danger.
- Rehearse leaving in a rush, and practice with children (create a code word if appropriate).
- Identify where you will go in the event of a crisis at any time of the day or night.
Family/Friends who may offer to help
- Identify who you could share your fears with, someone you trust, someone who makes you feel better
- Identify who you can turn to in the event you have to leave your housing.
- Identify who you can turn to for financial support and transportation. Identify public or safe setting you can go to until things settle down.
- Determine who will watch your children in the event of crisis, and who could pick them up from school
- Determine which neighbors you could turn to in a time of need.
A Safe Plan Forward is a tool to help you make the change necessary for you and your children to live abuse free. It’s never too soon-or too late-to admit there is a problem and seek help!