Before an attack
 |
Practice how to get out of the house safely. Which doors, elevators, stairwells or fire escapes will you use? |
|
Decide where you will go if you have to leave home. |
|
Prepare an overnight bag. Keep it in a readily accessible place. In addition to clothes, include in it:
| – |
Money, checkbook, credit cards, ATM card |
| – |
Driver's license and registration, social security cards, birth certificates |
| – |
Public Aid cards, green card, passport, work permits |
| – |
Order of Protection, divorce papers |
| – |
Medications, medical and vaccination records |
| – |
Lease, rental agreement, house deed |
| – |
Keys to house, car and work |
| – |
Insurance papers, bank book |
| – |
Address book
|
|
|
Leave a set of keys and copies of important documents with a neighbor in case you need to leave quickly and your bag is not accessible. |
|
Tell a neighbor about the abuse and ask him/her to call the police if he/she hears any suspicious noises coming from your house. |
|
Develop a code word with your children and friends to signal them to call the police. |
|
Teach these strategies to your children.
|
During an attack
|
Move to a room that is lowest risk with easy access to an exit. Stay away from enclosed spaces or spaces near any weapons, such as the bathroom or kitchen. |
|
Get away. Go to a friend's or relative's house. |
|
Call 911 or the police. They are required to provide or arrange transportation to a hospital or a safe place for you. |
|
Call for help. Scream loudly and continuously.
|
After an attack
|
Get medical attention immediately. Tell the doctor or nurse what happened. Ask them to take pictures of your injuries. |
|
Make a police report, even if you don't want your abuser arrested. It will be a record of the incident and will provide evidence if you ever need it. The abuser will not be notified that you made the report. |
|
Save evidence, including medical records, police reports, dated photos of your injuries or the house in disarray, torn clothing and any weapons used.
|
In an emergency, dial 911.
|
 |
Are you afraid of someone you love?
Use the links below to explore information about:
Remember, call the hotline if you need to talk to someone.
(630) 469 5650
|
