[Aquiana]

Step 3: Safety in My Own Residence: There are many things that a victim can do to increase safety in their own residence. It may be impossible to do everything at once, but safety measures can be added step by step. Safety measure I can consider include:


Can I replace the locks on my doors and windows as soon as possible?

Can I replace wooden doors with steel/metal doors?

Can I install security systems including locks, window bars, poles to wedge against doors, and electronic system with a "panic button", ect.?

Can I purchase rope ladders to be used for escape from second floor windows?

Can I install smoke detectors and purchase fire extinguishers for each floor win my house/apartment?

I will teach my children how to use the telephone to make a collect call to me and to (trusted friend/neighbor/relative)__________________in the event that my partner abducts the children.

I will teach my children a code word that grants them permission to leave with a person other than myself only when that person uses that code word in direct communication with my children.

I will remember to give my code word to person(s) I instruct to collect my children in an emergency or any other situation AND I will change the code word with my children frequently.

I will tell people who take care of my children which people have permission to pick up my children and that my partner is not permitted to do so. The people I will inform about the pick-up permission include:
(school)______________________
(day care staff)____________________
(baby-sitter)___________________
(Sunday School Teacher)____________________
(teacher)______________________
(coach/instructor)_______________________
(others)________________________

I can inform (neighbor)_____________________________(religious leader)___________________________, and (friend)___________________________that my partner no longer resides with me and they should call the polices if he is observed near my residence.