SAFETY PLAN
SAFETY PLAN
If you are leaving an abusive relationship, it is crucial to have a safety plan for you and your children and if you are currently living with someone who can be physically, emotionally, mentally and/or sexually abusive or if you have just left a violent situation then there may be a reason to be concerned about your safety.
Safety planning is necessary in those conditions, just like we plan for bad weather or earthquakes. The dangers of having an abusive partner, is that they know about your fears and insecurities, your habits and vulnerabilities. Having a safety plan gives confidence and can help reduce harm to you and your children.
When creating a safety plan, the first thing to do is look at your current situation and see what resources you have available, who can help you, how much you can depend on your children.
THINGS TO REMEMBER WHILE CREATING A SAFETY PLAN
- If you are in immediate danger or injured, call 911. If you can’t talk leave the phone on after dialing so, the 911 operator can send help.
- Always discuss the safety plan with your children, so they can contact neighbors, police or any other person you can trust, in an emergency.
- Have a safe place to go to that is open 24 hours, such as a police station, hospital, or fire station.
- Stay away from kitchens and bathrooms
- Pack a bag with a spare house and car keys, money, and basic necessities for you and your children
- Keep important documents (or copies of these documents) with you, such as:
- State I.D./Driver’s License
- Social Security Cards
- Green Cards
- Passports
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage Certificates
- Car Registration
- Immunization Records
- School Records
- Know (and try to memorize) your abuser’s date of birth and social security number
- Know the SAHARA helpline number
If you or someone you know needs help creating a safety plan please call SAHARA at 562-402-4132
Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
OR
24 Hour Toll-Free Helpline
1-888-SAHARA2 (1-888-724-2722)
CONTACT US
If you would like to know more about SAHARA or help us continue to provide these services, please give us a call at 562-402-4132 or contact us.
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