Safety:  In Your Own Home

1. Change the locks on your doors as soon as possible.  Buy additional locks and safety devices to secure your doors.  Reinforce or repair windows and doors.  Obtain an alarm system or a dog.  Install outside lights if possible.  NEVER let your batterer into your residence.
2. Replace wooden doors with steel/metal doors.
3. Install window bars and poles to wedge against doors.
4. Discuss a safety plan with your children for when you are not with them... where to hide, when to leave, how to call the police.
5. Inform your children's school, day care provider, parents of friends, etc. about who has permission to pick-up your children.
6. Get a telephone if you don't already have one.  Get an unlisted number.  Refuse to argue with batterer on the phone.  If necessary hide a phone in your home to prevent batterer from disconnecting it.  If you don't have a phone, contact SCCFF for a free 911 cell phone.
7. Hide or remove all weapons, knives, and ammunition.  If the police are called, ask them to remove the weapons for you.
8. If possible, keep important documents (such as birth certificates, divorce decree, insurance policy, back papers, etc.) in a safety deposit box or with a neighbor or relative.
9. Inform neighbors, your pastor, friend and family that your partner no longer resides with you and to call the police if your ex-partner is observed near your residence.

Developing your own safety plan can help you think clearly and take protective action when faced with a potentially violent situation.

        Be aware of the batterer's cues ...

        etc. before an assault.  Try to leave before the assault, if possible.

        Be aware of your own cues ...

        etc. which may indicate that you are feeling scared.  Use these cues as warning signs to take care of yourself and your children.