Planning for safety during an escalating incident:

• Identify the best escape routes from your home. Practice getting you and your children out quickly and safely.
  
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• Tell your children, family, friends and neighbors a code word which you will use if you need them to call the police.
  
  
• If an argument appears inevitable, try to stay out of rooms where there are few escape routes such as bathrooms, kitchen, garage, basements, etc.
  and which may contain potential weapons such as knives and tools.
  
  
• Call the MN Day One® Domestic Violence Crisis Line at 866-223-1111 for safe housing if you need to leave home with your children.
  
  
  

Planning for safety with an Order for Protection:

• Call Cornerstone at 952-884-0376 or another domestic violence agency for information about Orders for Protection (OFP) and support regarding the
  legal process.
  
  
• When an OFP is granted, keep a copy with you at all times. Have extra copies at work, children's school and daycare, in your car, in your purse and with relatives or friends.
  
  
• Give a copy of your OFP to your local police department. Call the police if the order is violated.
  
  
  

Planning to leave:

• Keep the number for the MN Day One® Domestic Violence Crisis Line and a cell phone or change for a pay phone with you at all times.
  
  
• Leave money, keys, important documents, and change of clothing for you and your children with a trusted friend so that you can leave quickly.
  
  Hide keys or cash for cab fare where you can get them if your friend is not home. Identify a public place open 24-hours daily where you can go for help.
  
  
• Open bank accounts in your own name to establish credit and have an emergency fund.
  
  
• Review your safety plan often. Leaving your abuser can be the most dangerous time.
  
  
  

Planning for safety in your own home:

• Change your locks as soon as possible. Consider securing windows and adding outdoor lighting.
  
  
• Create a safety plan with your children for times when you are not all together.
  
  
• Inform daycare providers and school personnel who has permission to pick up your children.
  
  
• Inform neighbors and your landlord that your partner no longer lives with you.
  Tell them they should call the police if they see him/her near your home, or if they hear suspicious noises.
  
  
  

Planning for safety at work and in public:

• Consider telling your employer and immediate supervisor that you have an abusive partner.
  
  
• Provide building security with a photo of your abuser and ask them to call the police if s/he comes to your workplace.
  
  
• Arrange for someone to screen your calls and escort your to your car or bus stop if possible.
  
  
  

Planning to enhance your physical safety and emotional health:

• Have positive thoughts about yourself and your abilities and be assertive about your needs.
  
  
• Read books, articles and poems to help you feel stronger.
  
  
• Enroll yourself and your children in support groups and parenting skills classes.
  
  
• If you must communicate with your abuser determine the safest way to do so.
  
  
• Maintain contact with supportive friends, family and advocates.