A safety plan is a tool designed to help a victim consider options and develop a plan of action when living in an abusive relationship. Safety planning should always be done without the abuser's knowledge and should include the children (if possible). Here are some key points to include in your personal safety plan.

• Call a shelter or family violence hotline, (703) 838-4911, and talk to an advocate to find out what help is available to you and to help you with your safety plan.
• Have money, clothes, (copies of) important papers, and extra keys, concealed in a safe place in case you need to leave in a hurry. A safe place may include a neighbor or friend's house, or hidden by the front door.
• Think through all possible escape routes and a plan where you will go...before an attack starts.
• Do emergency drills with your children. Teach them how to dial 911.
• If you have a protective order, carry it with you at all times. Make extra copies and if you can, give it to your employer, the school, and/or your residential management company.
• Talk to neighbors, co-workers, etc. about your situation and work out a signal so they know when to call police. A signal can be verbal or non-verbal.
• Trust your own judgement and intuition. Read The Gift of Fear, by Gavin deBecker.
• You have to protect yourself until you are out of immediate danger.
• Leaving your partner can be a dangerous time, plan for safety carefully and always remember...You don't deserve to be hit or threatened!