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Checklist For Abused People

Safety at Home:

When Abuser Is There

Stay out of rooms with no exit
Avoid room that may have weapons (kitchen knives, guns, etc.)
Select a code word that alerts friends and children to call police; you may want to select a word or phrase that will sound innocuous when used on the phone in a conversation with a friend or relative, for example: "I was thinking about making tuna casserole for supper tonight."
Leave a suitcase containing essentials and checklist items with a friend

When Abuser Has Moved Out

Obtain an Order of Protection
Change locks on doors and windows
Install a peephole in the door
Change telephone number; screen calls with an
answering machine, voice mail, or caller ID; and block caller ID
Use an answering machine or other device to record your calls
Install or increase outside lighting
Consider getting a dog for protection
Inform landlord or neighbor of situation and ask that police be called if abuser is seen around the house

Safety at Work:

Tell your employer
Give security a photo of abuser and copy of the Order of Protection
Screen your calls
Have an escort to your car or bus
Vary your route home
Consider a cell phone for your car; these are very inexpensive if you get one for emergency use only
Carry a noisemaker or personal alarm

Protecting Your Children

Plan and rehearse an escape route with your children

If it is safe, teach them a code word to call 911

Teach them how to use a public telephone (note that you do not have to insert coins in a pay phone to dial 911)

Let school personnel know to whom children can be released

Give school personnel a photo of the abuser and a copy of the Order of Protection

Warn school personnel not to divulge your address and phone number

Getting an Order of Protection

Call the Police to get an immediate Order of Protection
Contact your local District Attorney's office to learn about an Order of Protection and Injunction Against Harassment
Keep your order with you at ALL times, and give copies to family, friends, schools, employers, and babysitters.

Getting Out NOW:

(Keep this Quick List with you. Print it out and cut it to fit your wallet)

___ Identification: Driver's license, birth certificates
___ Money: ATM card, credit cards, checkbooks, cash
___ Legal Papers: Protective order, medical records
___ Important Personal Items: Keys, medicines

What You Need When Preparing to Leave:

Identification:
__ Driver's License
__ Children's Birth Certificates
__ Your Birth Certificate
__ Social Security Card
__ Welfare Identification
__ Medical Insurance Cards

Money:
__ Cash
__ Credit/Debit Cards
__ ATM Card
__ Savings Book
__ Checkbook

Legal Documents:
__ Lease, Rental Agreement, or Deed to House/Properties
__ Car Registration and Insurance Papers
__ Health and Life Insurance Papers
__ Medical Records for You and Your Children
__ School and Immunization Records
__ Work Permits/Green Card or Visa
__ Passport
__ Divorce Papers
__ Custody Papers
__ Stock Certificates

Other Things:
__ Keys to House, Car, and Safety Deposit Boxes
__ Medications for You and Your Children
__ Small Objects to Sell
__ Jewelry
__ Address Book
__ Phone Card
__ Pictures of You, Children, and Your Abuser
__ Children's Books and Small Toys
__ Children's "Security" Items, such as a favorite pillow, blanked, or stuffed toy
__ Toiletries
__ Diapers
__ Baby Food or Formula
__ Clothing

Things To Do:

Open a savings account in your own name. Get your own post office box so that you can receive mail and checks.
Plan who to stay with or who would be able to lend you money during a crisis.
Contact the hotline or any shelter for help in safety planning and keep the hotline number with you at all times. Memorize it.