University Police
Safety Planning
Victim Services 561-297-0500
Safety planning for someone involved in an abusive relationship is a necessary and important step. Planning can be used while you are still with your abuser, or after the relationship has ended. While still in an abusive relationship, your safety within your home is of primary importance.
Safety at Home
Know the windows and doors in the home. Find out which windows open easily and which stick. Also, know which is located in a place that would allow access to outside the home. |
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Plan an escape route. Do this just as one would think about a fire drill. Even if there are no immediate plans to leave, it helps to know the plan should it become necessary in an emergency. |
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Think about where to go and who would help. |
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Identify a support network, Who can be trusted to help in carrying out the plan? It is helpful to have someone to check-in with on a regular basis. |
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Develop a code word to use with the support person. They could pretend to be selling magazines if personal calls are not permitted. A code word could help the support person know when assistance is needed from the police. |
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As soon as the children are old enough, they should be taught to dial 911. Make sure 911 is on speed dial with a sticker. |
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Plan for copies of important documents to be in a place that is easily accessible. REMEMBER THAT SAFETY COMES FIRST. |
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Packing an overnight bag and leaving it at a friend’s house or in a place where the batterer will not find it is an option if it is not safe to return home. Again, safety is the first priority. |
Safety during a Violent Incident
Be aware of immediate surroundings. The kitchen is a room that has many weapons that are easily accessible. Other rooms to avoid are the bathroom (with only one likely exit and small windows) and the bedroom (or rooms where weapons might be kept). |
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Remember the planned escape route. |
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If there has been a code developed with someone and there is time to call that person, make him or her aware that assistance is needed. |
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Have the children to call 911 and/or remind them of the escape drill. |
Planning to Leave
Financial Issues
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Transportation Issues
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Documents and Other Materials
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The Escape Route
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Safety After Leaving
Only essential people should be contacted (i.e. employers, parents, other loved ones who are aware of the precariousness of the situation). They should only be told essential information, the less they know, and the safer they could be. |
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If there is a Restraining Order, give copies to key people (employer, school, neighbors, family, building management or other identified trustworthy people). Always keep a copy available. |
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Change routines so that it will be more difficult to be located. |
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Caution should be exercised around visitation and custody exchanging agreements. |
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Remember that domestic violence often escalates after leaving and that leaving does not guarantee safety. |
Immigration Considerations
Undocumented Victims
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Documented Victims
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Other Considerations
Children
Figure out whether it is appropriate to tell the children about plans to leave. Would it risk safety (would they tell?) Make sure the school knows who the children can be released to and to not give out any information. Effects are different |
Although domestic violence crosses every sector of society, it does not affect everyone in the same way. In addition to the fact that everyone's situation is different it is also important to consider the role of:
Other tips |
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- Vary your route to work and change passwords on bank and e-mail accounts.
- Keep the restraining order or order of protections paperwork with you at all times
- Keep a diary, journal, or log, with harassing e-mails or voice mails, violations of orders and actual attempts at contact recorded.
Victim Services Resources
• Home
• Behavioral Indicators of a Victim
• Crimes that Occur Off Campus
• Domestic Violence Statistics
• Law Enforcement Role with Victim
• Mandatory Reporting Procedures
• What to do if you are Sexually Assaulted
• What to do if you are Victimized