[Aquiana]

After having G arrested last weekend I've been in touch with Victim's Services. They are assessing the risks in our situation as far as the potential for violence and abuse is concerned. They gave me a helpful packet of questions for myself to fill it regarding my plan if things get dangerous. It's pretty long but I think I will post it if anyone is interested. There may be some helpful things for people to think about if they are planning to get out of an abusive relationship. Later there are lists of things to remember to bring as well as info on legal issues with statements ect. I'll try to get one step up daily. Here goes!

My Personal Safety Plan

Important: It is a good idea to talk to shelter staff or other safety planning experts about additional safety planning to meet the needs of your particular, unique situation.

Step 1: Safetly During A Violent Incident. Victims cannot always avoid violent incidents. In order to increase safetly, vicitms should consider some or all of these strategies and to remember this list is not exhaustive.

If I decide to leave, I will____________________________. (Practice how to get out safely; what doors, windows, elevators, stairwells or fire escapes will you use?)


I can keep my wallet/purse/identification, passports, car keys, emergency cash ready and put them in (place) ______________________________.

_______________________________________ in order to leave quickly.

I can tell (list two trusted friends/neighbors and their phone numbers) _________________________________ about the violence and request they call the police if they hear suspicious noises coming from my house or if they cannot locate me.

I can teach my children how to use the telephone to contact the police and to provide quick and accurate informations including directions to our home and neighbourhood.

I will use __________________________ as my code word with my children or my friends so they can go for help.

If I decide to leave my home, I will go to _____________________________________. (Decide this even if you don't think there will be another violent incident.) If I cannot go to the above location then I can go to _____________________________.

I can also teach some of these strategies to my children.

When I expect my partner and I are going to have an argument, I will try to move to a space that is lowest risk such as _________________________. (Remember to avoid the bathroom, kitchen, garage, rooms containing weapons and rooms without access to the outside.)

I will use my judgement and intuition. If the situation is very serious, I should consider doing what I know will calm my partner down. I must remember that I have to protect myself and the children until we are out of danger.