It may be difficult to develop a safety plan if you think the abuse is your fault. Abuse is not normal, and you deserve to be safe. Plan ahead, it could save your life.

Be ready to leave. Pack a bag with clothes, money and important papers. Keep the bag in a safe place or with a friend or family member. Include telephone numbers for Care Lodge as well as relatives or friends.

Find a safe place. If your home is not safe, leave. Go to a shelter or friend’s home. Go to a motel. You should save enough money for one night's stay.

Plan how you will leave. Will you leave by car? Keep sufficient gas and have keys accessible. Know the number to call a taxi and have fare available. Think about where to go and who to call in case you have to leave on foot.

Talk to your kids. Tell them that the abuse is not their fault. Tell them to stay out of the fighting, and teach them to call 911 or seek help from a neighbor.

• Move to a room with easy access to an exit. Do not go to the kitchen, bathroom or near possible weapons.
• Know the quickest route out of your home. Practice escaping the route with your family.
• Know the quickest route out of your workplace. Practice escaping that way. REMEMBER:  Domestic violence does not occur just in your home.
• Pack a bag and have it ready. Keep it hidden, but make it easy to grab quickly.
• Tell your neighbors about your abuse and ask them to call the police when they hear a disturbance.
• Have a code word to use with your children, family and friends, so they will know to contact the police when they hear the code word.
• Know where you are going if you ever have to leave.
• Use your instincts.
• You have the right to protect yourself and your children.

The following is a general list of things women should attempt to take with them when they leave an abusive situation.

• Identification-birth certificates for yourself and your children, drivers license, state identification, green card, work permit, social security cards for yourself and children, passport
• Health records-school and vaccination records
• Money-checkbook, ATM card, cash, credit cards
• Keys-home, work, car
• Medications
• Divorce papers, Domestic Abuse Protective Order
• Lease or rental agreement, house deed, mortgage payment book
• Insurance papers
• Jewelry-small things you can sell if needed
• Address book
• Sentimental items-pictures, etc.

Resources

It is not your fault

It's difficult to develop a safety plan if you think the abuse is your fault. Abuse is not normal, and you deserve to be safe. The abuse will only get worse. Plan ahead; it could save your life.

Please Contact Us
1627 23rd Avenue
P.O. Box 5331
Meridian, MS 39302

Phone: 601.482.8719
Email: info@carelodge.com