Develop a DV safety plan
Safety Plan
Safety planning is thinking and acting in a way that can increase your safety and the safety of your loved ones. You can safety plan whether you stay in or leave an abusive relationship. YOU are the expert of your life. Your own experience is the best tool in planning for your safety.
Here are a few things to consider:
Plan ahead by developing an emergency escape plan.
Identify safe areas in the house where there are no weapons and at least two days to escape (try to stay out of the kitchen and bathroom).
Keep weapons and other objects locked up.
If violence is avoidable, make yourself a small target: dive into a corner and curl up into a ball with your face protective and your arms around either side of your head.
Teach your children how to get help.
Develop a code with trusted friends and family to notify them when you are in danger so they can call for help.
Create a phone list with numbers including police, emergency shelters, family members and Safehome at 965-3237.
Be sure you cell phone is always charged (even deactivated phones can call 911).
Identify public places, home of friends and family where you can stay, places your partner would not immediately look.
When things are very dangerous, try to think of what calms down the abuser, what has worked in the past. Calming down the abuser can give you time to think of what to do next.
Things to take when you leave
If you are able, you will want to grab these items when leaving. If not, we can help you replace them. Remember, they are just items and items can be replaced. Your safety is most important.
Driver license/ID card
Birth certificates for all who leave
Social security cards for all who leave
Money and/or credit cards
Checking and/or savings books
Copy of protective order (if you have one)
Custody papers
Medical records
Medicine
Important pictures
School records of children
Insurance cards
House and car keys
If you leave
Consider renting a post office box for your mail
Alert school authorities about the situation
Reschedule any appointments that the offender is aware of
Install security systems if possible
Install motion lights if possible
For emergencies, call 911
Other important numbers to have:
Alleghany County Sherriff’s Dept.
540-965-1770
Clifton Forge Police Dept.
540-863-2513
Covington Police Dept.
540-965-6333
Bath County Sherriff’s Dept.
540-839-2375
Highland County Sherriff’s Dept.
540-468-2210
Alleghany County Magistrate
540-965-1778
Juvenile and Domestic Court
540-965-1720
Legal Aid
540-463-7334
Victim Witness Program
540-965-6366
Court Service Unit
540-965-1710
VA Elder Abuse Hotline
1-800-832-3858
Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline
1-800-552-7096
