Safety Planning

Safety planning is very important
after you get an Order of Protection.

 

Decide whether it is safe to return home or whether you should go to a shelter or other safe place.

Have important phone numbers available to yourself and your children. Including police, 911, 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 621-4673, and friends or relatives.

Keep a copy of your TOP with you at all times. File a copy with the police precinct, children's school, babysitter, and neighbor.

Tellchild care providers and school officials the names of the people who have permission to pick up your children. Instruct them not to release the children to anyone else.

If the abuser violates the TOP call the police immediately.

Ask neighbors to call the police if they see the abuser near your home of if they hear any suspicious activity coming from your apartment.

Plan an escape route out of your home in case of an emergency and teach it to your children.

Pack a bag with important things you would need if you had to leave in a hurry and put it in a safe place. Include cash, ATM card, check book, car and house keys, important documents such as social security cards, birth certificates, driver's license, passport or green card, work permit, welfare ID, medication, police reports, a change of clothing, and a favorite toy for each child.

Considerchanging the locks to your home or apartment and getting locks for the windows. Safe Horizon, Project Safe will change your locks for free.

You should consider getting an unlisted telephone number and use an answering machine or caller ID to screen your calls.

Change your regular travel habits and shop and bank at different places.

 

Domestic Violence Resources

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence

New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Office of the Statewide Coordinating Judge for Family Violence Cases

The Law on Domestic Violence

Obtaining an Order of Protection