• Plan and practice how to get safely out of the house, and think about where you will go. Make sure your children understand this as well.
• Keep wallet, purse, keys, cash, medications, and important papers and phone numbers in an accessible place so that you can grab them if you need to leave quickly.
• Tell trusted neighbors about the violence and ask that they call the police if they hear suspicious noises. Set up a code word or signal with them if necessary.
  
• Teach children to call 911.
  
• During an argument, remain in rooms with access to an outside door if possible.
  
• Obtain prepaid phone cards, use a friend’s phone, or use coin operated phones to keep communications confidential.
  

Safety planning with a restraining order, or when your partner has left the home:
Always keep your restraining order on or near your person. Remember it when you change handbags.

• Give copies of the restraining order to police departments in the community where you live and visit or work on a regular basis. Give copies to your children’s schools.
  
• Inform trusted friends, clergy, and your employer that you have a restraining order in effect.
  
• You may call the police if your partner violates the restraining order.
  
• Prepare a safety plan, or alter your usual routine when leaving work, or when grocery shopping, banking, etc.
  
• Change the locks and/or install a security system. Increase outdoor lighting.
  
• Ask neighbors to call the police if they see your partner near your house.

• Have a plan for when you feel depressed and alone and tempted to return to a potentially abusive situation.
• Have a plan for when you must communicate with your partner in person or by phone.
• Read and learn about the dynamics of domestic violence and abuse in relationships.
• Enlist the support of trusted family and friends.
• Reach out for services designed to help, such as counseling and support groups at your local domestic violence program.