Have a Safety Plan

Be ready to leave. Pack a bag with clothes, money, and important papers. Keep the bag in a safe place with a friend or family member. Also, include telephone numbers for police, shelter, relatives, or friends.

Find a safe place. If your home is not safe, leave. Go to a friend's or a shelter. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.7233 to locate the closest shelter. Or, go to a motel/hotel - save enough money for one night.

Plan how you will leave. Will you leave by car? Keep sufficient gas and have keys accessible. Have money for bus or taxi fare and know the station location. Also, know the number to call for a taxi. Will you leave on foot? Know where you can go. Know who you can call.

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. Children mimic the actions of parents. It is very important to teach the kids about a healthy relationship. If you don't, the cycle may continue.