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SAFETY DURING AN EXPLOSIVE INCIDENT
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If an argument seems unavoidable, try
to have it in a room with an exit and not in the bathroom, kitchen
or anywhere near weapons.
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Practice how to get out of your home
safely.
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Have a packed bag ready and keep it in a secret but accessible
place so you can leave quickly.
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Identify a neighbor you can tell about the violence and ask them
to call the police if they hear a disturbance coming from your
home.
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Devise a code word to use with your children, family, friends and
neighbors when you need the police.
SAFETY IN YOUR HOME
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Inform your neighbors and landlord that your partner no longer
lives with you and that they should call the police if they
see your abuser near your home.
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Rehearse a safety plan with your children for when you are not
with them.
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Inform
your children's school about who has permission
to pick up your children. Give the school a copy of your
order of protection if you have one.
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Change/add locks to your
doors and windows and change
your telephone number.
SAFETY ON THE JOB AND IN PUBLIC
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Tell trusted people
at work about your situation, especially building security. Provide
the batterer's photo, if possible.
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Arrange to have someone screen your telephone
calls.
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Devise
a safety plan for when you leave work. Have someone escort you
to your car or bus. Use a variety of routes to go home.
Think about what you would do if something happened while going
home.
SAFETY WHEN PREPARING TO LEAVE
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Determine who will let you stay with them or lend you money.
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Always try to take your children with
you or make arrangementsfor them with someone safe.
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Leave money, extra keys, copies of important papers and clothes
with someone else.
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Open a savings account in your own name to establish or increase
your financial independence.
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Keep change or a calling
card with you at all times.
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Review your safety plan with
a domestic violence advocate to plan the safest way to leave
your batterer.
WHAT TO TAKE WHEN YOU LEAVE
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Identification,
driver's license, car title & registration, social security
cards for you and children
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Children's birth certificates,
your birth certificate and marriage certificate
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Money, credit
cards, ATM card, telephone calling card, jewelry
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Order of Protection, Restraining
Order, divorce papers including custody, school
records
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Lease, rental agreement, house deed
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Checkbooks, bank books & withdrawal slips
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Health insurance and/or medical
cards, home/car insurance papers
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House and car keys
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Passport for self and children,
work permits, green cards or immigration papers
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