Developing a Safety Plan - After You Leave

It is also crucial that you have a plan to increase your safety and your children's safety after you have left the abusive situation. Here are some important steps to consider.

• Get a restraining order against your abuser.
• Inform family, friends, neighbors that you have a restraining order in effect
• Keep a copy of your restraining order with you at all times. Keep another copy somewhere in your home and put one in your car. Give a copy to the local police where you live and where you work. Give a copy to your employer and to officials at your children's school, day care facility or with their baby-sitter. If possible, attach a photo of your abuser to the copies you place at work and at your children's day care.
• Inform the people who take care of your children who has permission to pick up your children.
• Avoid stores, banks, restaurants, theaters, etc. you used to frequent when you were with your partner.
• If your abuser violates the restraining order, call the police.
• Have a back up plan in the event the police do not respond quickly.
• Change your locks and secure your residence.
• If you have thoughts of returning to a potentially abusive situation, attend support groups or call someone for support.
• Contact Haven Hills, call the crisis line (818) 887-6589, or contact your local shelter/domestic violence program for information on precautions against being traced/stalked.