Safety Tips to Help You Plan:

Identify Trusted Neighbors:

• Choose one or more neighbors that you trust and let them know about the violence. Ask them to call the police immediately if they hear a disturbance coming from your home. This can give you a quick response if you’re in immediate danger.

Practice Your Escape Plan:

• Practice how to exit your home safely. Identify doors, windows, elevators, or stairwells that provide the quickest and safest way out. This will help you act quickly if you need to leave unexpectedly.

Hide Important Keys:

• If possible, keep a copy of important keys (house, car, safety deposit box, etc.) hidden where only you can access them. This ensures that you can leave without having to search for your keys under pressure.

Plan for Safe Arguments:

• If an argument seems unavoidable, try to have it in a room or area where you have access to an exit. Avoid spaces like the kitchen, bedroom, or any area where weapons may be within reach.

Create a Code Word:

• Choose a code word to use with your children, family, friends, and neighbors. This will signal to them that you need immediate help and that they should alert the authorities on your behalf. Make sure everyone in your support system knows the word and what it means.

Teach Your Children How to Call for Help:

• Teach your children how to call 911 and explain to them what to do if they feel unsafe. Let them know that they can call the police for help if you can’t, and make sure they understand how important it is to reach out for assistance

Create a Safety Plan:

Prepare in advance by gathering important documents (ID, birth certificates, social security cards, medical records) and keeping them in a safe, discreet location.

Plan your escape route from your home. Know the quickest and safest exit and identify places where you can go for help (friends, family, shelters).

Keep a phone charged and within easy reach or consider setting up a trusted contact who can be there to help if you need immediate assistance.

Reach Out for Support:

• Contact a local domestic violence advocate or shelter, like SpringHaven, where trained professionals can help you safely navigate the process and provide resources.

• Talk to trusted friends or family (if safe to do so) who can help you stay safe and offer emotional support.

• Have an emergency contact list of people you trust, and let them know if you need help or have to leave quickly.

Keep Your Plan Confidential:

• Keep your safety plan a secret, especially if you are still living with the abuser. It’s important that your plans remain confidential to avoid escalation or interference.

• Use secure methods to communicate, such as a burner phone or encrypted messaging apps, if you fear your online or phone activity could be monitored.

Think About Your Children and Pets:

• If you have children or pets, make sure you include them in your safety plan. Prepare a safe place for them to go if needed, and keep essential items like their medicine, clothing, and identification in a separate, safe location.

Have a Bag Packed and Ready:

• Pack an emergency bag with essentials such as clothes, medication, toiletries, money, and any other items you can’t replace easily. Keep it in a secure place where only you can access it.

Know Your Rights:

• If you're planning to leave, you may be entitled to legal protections, such as a restraining order or temporary custody of children. Contact an advocate or attorney to understand your rights and options.

Know That Help Is Available:

• Springhaven advocates are available 24/7 to provide you with free, confidential support and safety planning. We are here to listen, guide, and ensure you have the resources you need to leave safely.

• If you will remain in the home, change locks on your doors as quickly as possible. Buy additional locks to secure windows. Always ensure that smoke alarms are in working order.

• Inform your neighbor or landlord that your partner no longer lives with you and that they should immediately call the police if they see him/her near your home.

• Notify your children’s school and/or day care about who has permission to have contact and who is allowed to pick up your children.

• Decide whom at work you will inform of your situation. Depending on the nature of your occupation, it may be a good idea to reach out to human resources, building security, management staff, or a trusted coworker.

• Arrange to have your voicemail, caller ID, or a trusted friend screen your calls for you. Consider call blocking features on phone to keep an abusive partner from harassing you.

• Have someone escort you to your car or bus and wait with you until you are safely on your way.

• Alternate your travel routes home if possible.

• Plan for what you would do if something happened to make you feel unsafe while driving or traveling.

• Plan for what you would do if something happened to make you feel unsafe while in a public place like a shopping mall, movie theater, restaurant, or park.