No one deserves to be abused. If at any time you feel threatened or are being abused, dial 9-1-1 immediately. Below are a few safety planning guidelines to help with your situation. A Family Safety Center navigator can confidentially guide you through additional steps for preparing to safely leave a violent relationship. Call the center at 901-222-4400 to set up a private appointment.

Preparing for a violent incident:

• When with the abuser, try to keep away from rooms containing dangerous objects, such as the kitchen or bathroom.
• Identify rooms with an exit. Know which doors, windows, elevators or stairwells to use.
• Keep a packed bag with a friend, relative or neighbor. Be sure to include copies of important documents.
• Tell one or more neighbors about the violence, and ask them to call the police if they notice/hear a disturbance.
• Have a plan. Know where you will go if you decide to leave your home.

Safety with a protective order:

• Always keep a copy of your protective order with you, including in your car, at work, at home and with close relatives.
• Inform family members, friends and neighbors that you have a protective order in effect.
• Call the police at 9-1-1 if your abuser violates the protective order.
• Always have a backup plan you can use while waiting on the police to respond.
• Always ask for police report numbers after calling the police.

Safety in your day-to-day life:

• Keep windows and doors locked.
• Develop a safety plan with your child(ren).
• Inform your child(ren)’s school, day care or anyone who cares for your child(ren) which individuals have permission to pick up your child(ren).
• Inform your neighbors if your abuser no longer lives with you, and ask them to call the police should they see the abuser.
• Request to have your telephone number unlisted/unpublished.
• Never call the abuser from your home or tell them where you live.

Safety on the job and in public:

• Have someone with you at all times.
• Use a variety of routes to and from home each day.
• At work, inform management, a co-worker and security of your situation, and if possible, provide them with a picture of your abuser.
• If possible, make arrangements to have calls screened.

Checklist – Below are a few of the items you should have with you when you leave:

• Driver’s license
• Birth certificate
• Child(ren)’s birth certificate
• Social Security cards
• Military ID cards
• Medications
• Protective order
• House and car keys
• Divorce and custody papers
• Address book
• Lease/rental agreement
• Change of clothes for you and child(ren)

A Family Safety Center navigator can provide you with a complete checklist, as well as specific instructions for preparing to safely leave a violent relationship.