Safety Plan for Victims of Domestic Violence
This safety plan is for victims of domestic violence. Safety planning helps develop tools in advance of potentially dangerous situations. Choose only the suggestions listed here that make sense for your set of circumstances.
SAFETY WHEN PREPARING TO LEAVE
LEAVING CAN BE THE MOST DANGEROUS TIME!
Have a safe place to stay.
Make sure it is a place that can protect you and your children or grandchildren.
Call a domestic violence victim service program.
Find out which services and shelters are available as options if you need them. Keep their address and phone number close at hand at all times.
Find someone you trust.
Leave money, extra keys, copies of important documents and clothing with them in advance, so you can leave quickly, if necessary.
Open a savings account.
Put it in your name only, to increase your independence. Consider direct deposit from your paycheck or benefit check.
Review your safety plan.
Study and check your plans as often as possible in order to know the safest way to leave the abuser.
Concerns about immigration status.
You may qualify under a law called the Violence Against Women Act. Talk to an immigration expert (not Immigration and Customs Enforcement) or your local domestic violence victim services program for more information.
IF YOU NEED TO LEAVE, TAKE WITH YOU...
· Marriage and Driver's licenses
· Birth certificates - yours and family's
· Money, checkbooks, credit cards, ATM cards,
mortgage payment book, car title
· Social Security card, work permit, green card, passport, visa
· Divorce, custody papers and restraining order
· Insurance papers and medical records
· Lease, rental agreement and/or house deed
· School and health records
· Keys - house, car, office, friend's
· Medications, glasses, hearing aids, etc. needed by you
and your family
· Personal items - address book, pictures, toys
· Copies of your spouse's green card or social security card
and all immigration related documents
· Benefit card
What Can You Do?
Learn More
It is estimated that 3.9 million woman are physically abused by their husbands or live-in partners per year. About one out of every four American women report that they have physically abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives. Thirty percent of American say they know a woman who has been physically battered by her husband or boyfriend in the past year.
While women are less likely than men to be victims of crime, women are five to eight times more likely than men to be victimized by their intimate partner. More than five times as many women were murdered by initiate acquaintances than by a stranger in the year 2000. Additionally, while firearm homicides involving victims were mostly intra-gender, 95% of female firearm homicide victims were murdered by a male.
Of the women who reported being raped and or physically assaulted since the age of 18, three quarters were victimized by a current or former husband, cohabitation partner, date or boy friend.
Nationally, about 75 percent of the deaths related to domestic abuse occur when the woman is either separated from or has left the abuser.
Sources:
U.S., Department of Justice, Violence by Intimates: Analysis of Data on Crimes by Current or Former Spouses, Boyfriends, and Girlfriends
Listen
When a friend, family member, or co-worker discloses they are a victim of domestic violence, let them know that you care and want to listen. Allow them to confide in you as needed. Never blame them for what's happening. Remember victims of domestic violence have been conditioned by their abuser to take responsibility for the abuse that is being inflicted. Focus on supporting the victim’s right to make decisions. Do not confront the abusive partner. This could place you and your friend at risk.
Focus on Strengths
Offer hope and emotional support. Emphasize that we all deserve a life that is free from violence. Suggest resources that will empower the victim. Memorize the following five phrases and say them often.
Key Phrases:
- “I'm concerned for your safety.”
- “You don’t deserve to be abused.”
- “It will only get worse.”
- “It affects your children.”
- “There are people who can help."
IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 911
For support, call the domestic violence program nearest you for
New Jersey Statewide Domestic Violence 24-hour Hotline
1-800- 573-SAFE (7233)
or the
National Domestic Violence Hotline at:
800-799-SAFE (7233) TTY: 800-787-3224
RAINN- Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network
Hotline #: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
