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 Information and Referrals
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| Information and referrals are provided regarding housing, financial needs, job training, health care and additional counseling services. Referrals can be made on-site or through the crisis line. |
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Safety Plan
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1. Safety During a Violent Incident
A. When an argument begins, try to move to a room or area that has access
to an exit, avoid a bathroom, kitchen or anywhere near weapons.
B. Practice how to get out of your home. Identify which doors, windows,
elevator, or stairwell would be best.
C. Devise a signal or code word to use with your family, friends and
neighbors when you need the police.
D. Identify a neighbor you can tell about the violence. Ask that neighbor to
call the police if they hear a disturbance coming from your home or a
prearranged signal.
E. Decide and plan where you will go if you have to leave home (even if you
don't think you will need to). This should be a safe place from which you
can call for further assistance.
F. Use your own instincts and judgement. You have the right to protect
yourself until you are out of danger.
G. Always remember - you don't deserve to be hit or threatened!
2. Safety When Preparing to Leave
A. Open a savings account in your own name to start to establish or increase your independence.
B. Have a packed bag ready and keep it in a secret place that is easy to reach.
C. Leave money, an extra set of keys, copies of important documents and extra clothes with someone you trust.
D. Determine who would be able to let you stay with them or lend you some money.
E. Keep the shelter phone number close at hand, or better yet, memorize it, and keep some change or a calling card on you at all times for emergency phone calls.
F. Review your Safety Plan as often as possible in order to plan the safest way to leave your batterer. Remember - leaving your batterer can be very dangerous.
3. Safety In Your Own Home
A. Change the locks on your doors as soon as possible. Buy additional locks and safety devices to secure your windows.
B. Discuss a safety plan with your children for when you are not with them.
C. Inform your children's school, day care, etc., about who has permission to pick up your children.
D. Inform neighbors and landlord that your partner no longer lives with you and that they should call the police if they see him near your home.
4. Safety With A Protective Order
A. Keep your protective order with you at all times. (If you change your purse, that should be the first thing that goes in it or get multiple copies.)
B. Call the police if your partner breaks the protective order.
C. Think of alternative ways to keep safe if the police do not respond right away.
D. Inform family, friends, neighbors, that you have a protective order in effect.
E. Give a copy of your personal protective order to the childs' school, and day care provider.
5. Safety On the Job And/In Public
A. Decide who at work you will inform of your situation. This should include office or building security (provide a picture of your batterer if possible).
B. Arrange to have someone screen your telephone calls if possible.
C. Devise a Safety Plan for when you leave work. Have someone escort you to your car, bus or train. Use a variety of routes to go home if possible. Think about what you would do if something happened while going home (i.e., in your car, on the bus, etc.). If financially possible, think about getting a cell phone. Keep your cell phone with you at all times.
6. Your Safety And Emotional Health
A. If you are thinking of returning to a potentially abusive situation, discuss an alternative plan with someone you trust.
B. If you have to communicate with your partner, determine the safest way to do so (i.e., in a public place, have someone with you, etc.)
C. Have positive thoughts about yourself and be assertive with others about your needs.
D. Read books, articles, and poems to help you feel stronger.
E. Decide who you can call to talk freely and openly to give you the support you need.
F. Consider attending a Domestic Violence Support Group to gain support from others and learn more about yourself and the relationship.
7. If You Are A Teen In A Violent Dating Relationship
A. Decide which friend, teacher, relative or police officer you can tell.
B. Contact LACASA to find out how to obtain legal protection and make a Safety Plan.
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