Leaving an Abusive Relationship - Have a Safety Plan

It is hard to decide to leave an abusive relationship. Having a safety plan ready can make your escape easier. CAAFA's advocates can work with you to develop an individualized safety plan for you and your children.

The following are some steps you can take in developing a personal safety plan:

	Call 911 if you are in danger or need immediate help.
	Teach your children how to stay out of fights and how to call 911 for help.
	Make copies of important documents like birth certificates, social security cards, medical papers and legal papers. Store the documents outside of your house in case you need to leave quickly.
	Hide extra car and house keys outside your house in case you need to leave quickly.
	Talk to someone safe about what is going on. He or she may be able to help.
	Chose a code word. Tell someone safe your code word so they know when to call the police if you need immediate help.
	Know where to go when you decide to leave.
	Contact CAAFA's Crisis Line at 480-982-0196 or toll free 1-877-982-0196 for help in getting to a safe place.