STEP 5: What You Can Do When You Are Living In a New Place

The PDF version of Safety Planning contains all 8 steps  (224KB)

You can increase security by doing a number of fairly simple things:
 
You may want to change the locks if you think your (ex) partner has a key. Consider other security features (security alarm, bars on the windows or a guard dog).

You will talk to your children and tell them what to do if your (ex) partner shows up.

You will teach your children how to dial police or ambulance numbers. In your area.

You will keep copies of any court orders with you at all times. You will give copies of these orders to the school/day care/police and tell them to call you if they see your partner. You will give these people copies of your partner’s photograph so they can recognize him/her.

You can install a peephole your children can use. You will tell them what do do if your abuser shows up.

You can get additional features installed on your telephone (call blocking, call display, unpublished number, speed dial) to increase your safety.

You might want to store your car in a friend’s garage for a little while, if you have a very recognizable vehicle.

You can block email messages from your partner or switch Internet service providers. If your abuser can access your email password, you can

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