Safety Planning

Whether or not you are planning to leave the relationship, there are ways to increase your safety. It is important to remember that victims are at an increased risk of violence when they attempt to leave, and need to make a safety plan.

If you need to read this Safety Plan in Spanish, click here.

When you are planning to leave the relationship:
· Get a restraining order or stalking order and keep it with you. Give a copy to your employer.
· Call a shelter for assistance in locating resources, getting support and keeping safe.
· Call the police when an assault occurs.
· Get legal assistance in filing for divorce, arranging for custody and visitation.
· Prepare a “Flight Kit” which includes money, documents, extra car keys and clothes, and keep it in a safe place.
· Develop a plan for you and your children on how to get out of a dangerous situation.

If you are not planning to leave the relationship:
· Pay attention to signs or behaviors that warn you an assault will occur, and leave if possible. If you can’t leave, move to a room with an outside exit, and avoid bathrooms and kitchens or other rooms where weapons are kept.
· Call 911 if possible.
· Ask neighbors to call the police if they hear cries for help, yelling or loud noises.
· Change locks if the abuser moves out.
· Make sure your children know what to do in order to keep safe if violence occurs. For example, they can go to the neighbors, call 9-1-1, or hide.
· Learn what resources and options are available if you need to leave in an emergency (call shelters, crisis lines, talk to friends).

The following information has not yet been translated into Spanish.

Safety in the Workplace for Employees experiencing partner violence *
Steps you can take if you or a co-worker are experiencing partner violence in your personal life.

If you are being abused by your partner or ex-partner, you may be in danger even when you’re at work. With some planning, however, your workplace can be safer and can also play important part in helping you keep safe. The following ideas can help you make your own workplace safety plan. For some of these ideas, you’ll need your supervisor’s support. Only you can decide whether you feel safe talking to a supervisor, coworker or security personnel. If you decide to share this information, you should also discuss your privacy with them. If your supervisor will be taking steps to help you keep safe, you should help decide who will be involved and what information will be shared with them. Remember, you do not deserve to be abused.

• You could get a restraining order or stalking order and ask the judge to order your abuser to not come to your workplace or call you there. If you have a restraining order or stalking order that does not cover your workplace, you may be able to go to court to ask the judge to add it. Your supervisor may be willing to get a trespassing order also.
• You could tell your supervisor, coworkers, receptionists or security personnel about your restraining order or stalking order, and ask them to call the police and let you know if they see your abuser.
• You could bring a current picture of your abuser to work. You could show it to your supervisor, coworkers, receptionists, security personnel or others who may see your abuser, and ask them to let you know if your abuser is around. You could also make color photocopies of the picture to leave with these people so they will remember what your abuser looks like.
• You could leave a description of your abuser’s car and the license plate number with your supervisor, coworkers, security personnel or others. Ask them let you know if your abuser’s car is around.
• You could ask your supervisor, coworkers or security personnel to write an incident report about any contact they have with your abuser.
• If you drive to work, you could vary your route and the times you leave for work. You could also ask for a parking space by an entrance or in a secure area, even if it’s only temporary. Make sure you look carefully for your abuser before you park or turn off your car, and before you return to your car.
• You could ask security personnel or a coworker to walk you to and from your car or bus stop.
• You could ask your supervisor to vary your work hours or transfer you to another position. You would also have to discuss confidentiality with your supervisor to make sure nobody tells your abuser where you’ve moved to.
• You could talk to your supervisor about access to your work area. Could doors be kept locked? Could all visitors be escorted by the person they are visiting? Could your office or workspace be moved to another location?
• You could ask your supervisor about keeping your employment status confidential. For example, you could ask to have your name removed from the telephone system and employee directory.
• You may be able to set up direct deposits so your paycheck, or at least part of your paycheck, goes directly to a bank account only you can access.
• You could keep a bag for emergencies at work. Include a change of clothes for you and your children, medication, copies of important identification or papers, your address book and any other important information.
• If you do not have a safe place to contact the resources you need to address the violence, talk to your supervisor about policies about using the telephone. You may be able to use a private telephone or receive phone calls.
• If you are worried about your abuser hurting or kidnapping your children or assaulting or harassing you when you pick up your children, you may want to consider finding a new child care provider.
• If threats escalate or you think your abuser is especially dangerous, trust your instincts. Take time off if you think you are in danger at work. Ask your supervisor about any special provisions for leave.
• Read through this regularly and think about how you would handle an emergency.

* from “Domestic Violence Resource Manual,” January 1997, issued by Multnomah County Department of Community and Family Services

These agencies can provide you with the forms and assistance to file a Restraining Order.

OREGON

HAVEN from Domestic Violence (and Sexual Assault)
Serving OREGON - Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, and Wheeler Counties
24-Hour Hotline (The Dalles) 541-298-4789 • Collect calls accepted.
24-Hour Hotline 1-800-249-4789

• Sherman County District Attorney - 541-585-3534
• Wasco County District Attorney - 503-296-2276

Helping Hands Against Violence
Serving OREGON - Hood River County
24-Hour Hotline: 541-386-6603 Collect calls accepted.

• Hood River County District Attorney - 541-386-3103

WASHINGTON

Programs for Peaceful Living
Serving WASHINGTON - Klickitat County
24-Hour Hotline: 800-866-9372

Skamania County Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Serving WASHINGTON - Skamania County
Hotline: 509-427-4210 Collect calls accepted.

This page last updated January 12, 2005

Everyone deserves a safe home!
Practice harmlessness in word, thought and deed with the ones you love!

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