When you decide to leave, even for a very short period of time, take your children with you if it's at all possible and you can do so without exposing them to harm or risk of harm, or violating a custody order. Not only can you better ensure the safety of your children if they are with you, but having physical custody of your children will help you get temporary or permanent legal custody of your children if you decide to file a custody petition with the court.

When you decide to leave, take these things with you, if possible, because it may be difficult to get them later:

Orders of Protection

Custody orders, paternity documents

Identification for yourself Birth certificates - yours and your children's;

Social Security cards

Marriage, separation or divorce papers

School and vaccination records

Money

Checkbook, Savings Account Passbooks, Automatic Teller Machine Card, PIN numbers

Credit Cards and or account numbers

- Keys -

house, car, office, post office box, safety deposit box

Drivers license, car registration and title

Medications and prescriptions

Health insurance or Medicaid cards

Welfare identification

Passport, green card, work permit and any other immigration documents

Several changes of clothes

Children's favorite toys, security blankets

Lease/rental agreement, house deed

Mortgage Payment book, current unpaid bills

Insurance papers

Address book

Pictures, jewelry, items of sentimental value

Pictures of injuries you may have gotten from your partners abuse

Any evidence that might help police in investigating your case, for example,

Threatening letters, or phone message tapes

Make copies of important documents and keys and find a safe place to keep them for when you decide to leave.