Safety and Protection

Identifying Support

Many abusers isolate their victims geographically and socially. As a result, many victims have lost their support system. Developing a support network can be very helpful when planning for your safety. There are many people and places to turn to for help.

Some are listed below:

• Friends
  
• Domestic and sexual violence hotline
  
• Family
  
• Women's support groups
  
• Faith communities
  
• Counselors
  
• Others

Think about the following questions when asking for support:

Survival Needs

Do you have:

A place to live or a safe place to go?

Money or a way to get money?

Transportation or a way to leave?

Food or a way to get food?

If needed, safe and reliable child care?

What to take if you leave

Identification: Driver's license, social security cards for you and your children, work permit, green card, passport

Money: checkbooks, credit/debit cards

House and car keys

Medications

Address book

Change of clothes

• Birth certificate (at the county courthouse)

• Restraining order, stalking order, divorce papers, custody order (also at the county courthouse)

• Insurance papers (at your agent's office)

• Lease (at your landlord's office)

• Medical records (at your doctor's office)

Remember, it is okay if you forget something you need. Your support system may be able to help you replace things you need. You can also call the hotline to find out how to get certain items.