Are You Thinking About Leaving a Violent Relationship?

One of the first steps when thinking about leaving a Domestic Violence relationship is to make a Safety plan.

We suggest you do the following:

• Call a Domestic Violence program for support. You can reach Chest Of Hope by calling (209) 831-7889 or Emergency Helpline, (209) 259-5552.
• Call the National Domestic Violence Helpline, 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) 1-800-787-3224 (TDD) to find out which shelters have openings.
• If you decide to leave, think about the safest time to leave and how you would get out of the house safely.
• Practice first to see whether you will have difficulty getting out as planned.
• Keep any evidence of abuse – this will be helpful if you decide to take legal action in the future. Evidence includes: photos of bruises and injuries, ripped clothing, police documentation, threatening e-mails or voice mail messages and medical records.
• Begin saving some money little by little out of the grocery budget or from any other source you could find.
• Open a Checking or Savings Account in your own name and begin to establish a credit history independent of your partner.
• Obtain a Post Office Box and have your personal mail sent there.
• Consider obtaining an Order of Protection.
• Pack a bag with the following items:
  • Copies of legal documents
  • Social Security Card(s)
  • Identification Card(s)
  • Marriage License
  • Birth Certificate(s)
  • Green Card/Passport(s)
  • School and Vaccination Records of your children
  • Bank Account Information
  • Extra set of keys (house, car, security box, etc.)

Do not leave your bag at home. Keep it at a safe place: a friend’s home, neighbor’s home or at work.