LIFE SPAN SAFETY PLAN CHECKLISTS

One of the most important services Life Span provides is assistance with safety planning.  The first priority of everything we do is to focus on victim safety.  We recognize that every victim has a different set of circumstances and resources.  Each person needs to develop an individualized safety plan which can be implemented successfully.  Often victims do not know where to begin when thinking about safety.  We have developed checklists which offer ideas and practical steps to get safe and to stay safe.

SUGGESTIONS FOR INCREASING SAFETY WHILE IN A RELATIONSHIP

At Home:

• Use your instincts and judgment.
• Change locks on doors and windows ASAP.
• Install extra locks on windows & patio doors.
• Install a peephole on your door.
• If you own your own home, consider installing a security system.
• Outdoor lighting, motion activated lights
• Consider getting a dog.
• Relocate if necessary.

Family, Friends & Neighbors:

• Ask family/friend/neighbors to call police if they feel you are in danger.
• Use a password with them to let them know you need help.
• Set up signals to let neighbors know when you need help.
• Scream/knock on the wall.
• Flick lights off & on.

Children:

• Develop a safety plan with your children.
• Teach children to dial 911.
• Have a code word for when a 911 call is needed.
• Give a copy of your Order of Protection to your children's caretaker & school.
• Let school personnel know to whom children can be released.
• Give school personnel a photo of your abuser.
• Warn school personnel not to divulge your address & phone #.
• Explain to your children not to open the door even if it is "mommy" or "daddy", the abuser.
• Keep the custody & visitation schedule handy.

Work:

• Carefully choose whom to confide in about your situation.
• Inform your supervisor.
• You can ask co-workers to screen your calls & voice mail.
• Give security a copy of your Order of Protection & a photograph of your abuser.
• Have someone walk you to & from your car.

Phones, E-mail, & Internet:

• Obtain a phone if you do not have one.
• Change your number to an unlisted one.
• Carry a cell phone for emergencies.
• Keep emergency numbers near the phone.
• Get an answering machine with tapes (could be used as evidence).
• Be aware that cell & cordless phone calls can be picked up on eavesdropping equipment.
• Create difficult passwords for your e mail, voice mail, etc…

Driving:

• Survey area before walking to your car or getting out of car.
• Check front & rear passenger areas before entering your car.
• Vary times you leave for work or come home.
• Change your route to work, shopping, etc…
• Be alert for vehicles following you.

Store or hide personal items of value:

• Jewelry
• Children's favorite toys/blanket
• Items of sentimental value (photos, small trinkets, portable items)

Safekeeping of Documents:

Organize and place important documents in a safe location or a safe deposit box whenever it is practical, and store additional copies of documents that cannot be put away. 

Important Legal Documents

• Divorce Decree
• Court Orders
• Police Reports

Personal

• Identification Cards / Driver's License
• Birth Certificates (yours & children's)
• School records
• Social Security cards
• Permanent Residence card
• Employment Authorization card
• Passports for yourself and your children
• Address book

Medical

• Insurance Cards and forms
• Medications and/or prescription numbers
• Medical and immunization records

Vehicle

• Car title & registration
• Lease & payment records

Property/Dwelling

• Deed
• Mortgage payment book
• Insurance records
• Lease and payment records

Financial

• Checks and cash
Checking & savings records
Credit cards
Income tax returns
WIC or Link card