Safety Preparation During an Assault:

1. Try to stay in the safest room (not the kitchen or bathroom)
2. Establish an escape route
3. Establish a location you can go to for safety (neighbor, friend)
4. Call 9-1-1, if possible

Safety When Preparing to Leave:

1. Contact Local Domestic Violence Assistance Agencies
   • Womecare Shelter (360) 734-3438
   • Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Service (360) 671-5714
2. Complete an individualized safety plan and explore legal options with a trained advocate
3. Identify the nearest phone outside your home
4. Tell someone about the violence who will call on your behalf if needed
5. Arrange a location to which you can escape if necessary
6. Teach your children about the children's safety plan
7. Arrange a place to keep, or a way to access, the following:
   • car keys/registration
   • driver's license
   • cash/credit cards
   • clothes
   • birth certificates
   • medical records/medication
   • marriage license
   • address book
   • house deed/rental papers
   • social security cards
   • welfare identification
   • children's favorite toys
   • school records
   • insurance papers
   • passport/greencards
   • pictures/sentimental items

After Leaving:

1. If it's safe to do so, obtain a protection order; call law enforcement if the abuser is observed near your residence
2. Identify family, friends, and neighbors you can tell that your partner no longer lives with you and that there is a protection order in affect
3. Let the school know who may pick up your children
4. Discuss legal options with attorney or advocate regarding child custody and dissolution

Children's Safety Plan:

1. Communicate four key points to the children:
   1. It's NOT your fault
   2. You're NOT alone
   3. Don't get in the middle
   4. When you're feeling afraid, find a safe place
2. Teach children the phone numbers of law enforcement (911) and have them make a list of helpful friends and relatives
3. Have children identify escape routes and talk about safe homes to which they can run
4. Have children identify school personnel in whom they can confide
5. Affirm that you are committed to the child's safety and that they can grow up to be nonviolent adults

What We Have At The Shelter:

• Food
• Toiletries (shampoo, toothbrushees, etc.)
• Sheets and towels to use during the stay
• Some clothing
• Emergency diapers