Warning: Violence often gets worse when you try to leave or show signs of independence. Take special care!!

Key steps:

• Try to figure out warning signs that come before an assault. Drinking, drugs, pay day, a bad day at work, etc.
• Are there physical signs? Clenched fists, threats, a red face, throwing things?
• Try to get out or get help before anything happens
• Are there weapons in the house? Can you remove them? Lock them up?
• Can you signal the neighbors? Can your children learn to call the police?
• How will you get out of the house? Set a routine so that it is normal for you to leave the house for a short period of time
• If possible take your children with you. Alternatives are to send them to a friend or relative.

Items To Take When Leaving:

Try to have the following items organized in one place, so in case you have to leave in a hurry they are ready. Also, make copies of as many of these as possible so a duplicate is available in a second location. 

• Money:
  • Checkbook
  • Savings Account
  • ATM Card
  • Credit Cards
• Identification for yourself
• Children's birth certificates
• Your birth certificate
• Social Security cards
• School and vaccination records
• Keys:
  • House
  • Car
  • Office
• Drivers License and registration
• Medication
• Divorce papers, custody papers