|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
II. Safety When Preparing To Leave ▪ Open a savings account in your own name to start to establish or increase your independence. Think of other ways in which you can increase your independence. ▪ Leave money, an extra set of keys, copies of important documents and extra clothes with someone you trust so you can leave quickly. ▪ Determine who would be able to let you stay with them or lend you some money. ▪ Keep the shelter phone number close at hand and keep some change or a calling card on you at all times for emergency phone calls. ▪ Review your safety plan as often as possible in order to plan the safest way to leave your batterer. REMEMBER - LEAVING YOUR BATTERER IS THE MOST DANGEROUS TIME. III. Safety In Your Own Home ▪ Change the locks on your doors as soon as possible. Buy additional locks and safety devices to secure your windows. ▪ Discuss a safety plan with your children for when you are not with them. ▪ Inform your children's school, day care, etc., about who has permission to pick up your children. ▪ Inform neighbors and landlord that your partner no longer lives with you and that they should call the police if they see him/her near your home. IV. Safety With A Protective Order ▪ Keep your protective order on you at all times. (When you change your purse, that should be the first thing that goes in it.) ▪ Call the police if your partner breaks the protective order. ▪ Think of alternative ways to keep safe if the police do not respond right away, ▪ Inform family, friends, neighbors that you have protective order in effect. V. Safety On The Job and In Public ▪ Decide who at work you will inform of your situation. This should include office or building security (provide a picture of your batterer if possible). ▪ Arrange to have someone screen your telephone calls if possible. ▪ Devise a safety plan for when you leave work. Have someone escort you to your car, bus, or train. Use a variety of routes to go home by if possible. Think about what you would do if something happened while going home (i.e., in your car, on the bus, etc). VI. Your Safety & Emotional Health ▪ If you are thinking of returning to a potentially abusive situation, discuss an alternative plan with someone you trust. ▪ If you have to communicate with your partner, determine the safest way to do so. ▪ Have positive thoughts about yourself and be assertive with others about your needs. ▪ Read books, articles and poems to help you feel stronger. ▪ Decide who you can call to talk freely and openly to give you the support you need. ▪ Plan to attend a women's or victim's support group for at least 2 weeks to gain support from others and learn more about yourself and the relationship.
VII. If You Are A Teen In A Violent Dating Relationship ▪ Decide which friend, teacher, relative or police officer you can tell. ▪ Contact an advocate at the court to decide how to obtain a restraining order and make a safety plan. ▪ Call a hotline to find out what services & options are available to you. Checklist - What You Need To Take When You Leave Identification Driver's license Children's birth certificates Your birth certificate Social security card Money Lease, rental agreement, house deed Bank books Checkbooks Credit cards Insurance papers House and car keys Medications Address book Pictures Medical records for all family members Welfare identification School records Work permits Green card Passport Divorce papers Jewelry Children's small toys Other
For More Information About Your Legal Rights and Options Contact an advocate at your local court or shelter, or one of the following numbers:
TEEN SAFETY PLAN Are You Afraid? -- At School? -- At Home? -- On the Street?
Are You Being ... • Hit • Slapped • Pushed into lockers • Called names • Insulted • Threatened • Stalked/ Followed • Accused of cheating • Pressured to have sex • Isolated from friends and family • Intimidated • Forced to carry a beeper or cell phone If so, this is abuse, and it is not your fault.! There Is Help Talk to: • A Teacher • A Parent • A Relative • A Police officer • A Minister, Rabbi, Priest, etc. • A Trusted adult • A Doctor • A School nurse Call A Confidential Hotline
Get A Restraining Order Alternative Houses legal advocates are available to accompany you to Lowell District Court to apply for a restraining order to keep an abuser away from you. Call (978) 454-1436 to talk to a legal advocate. If you are under 18 you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Join A Support Group Talk to other people who are going through the same thing you are. Learn to support and empower each other so you can get out of an abusive relationship. Call (978) 454-1436 for information on support groups or ask a guidance counselor/social worker what is available at your school for additional support.
Alternative House
▪ Call 911 for police help if you are afraid that you or someone else will be hurt, and stay on the line until they tell you to hang up. ▪ Tell the police the address. ▪ Practice how to get out of your home safely. Which doors, windows, or stairs would be the best? ▪ Identify a neighbor or friend you can go to for help. Safety At School ▪ If you or someone else is afraid of being hurt, tell a teacher, principal, security guard, school nurse, parent or a trusted adult. Safety On The Street ▪ If you are afraid of being hurt, go to the nearest store or business and ask them to call 911. ▪ If there is not a phone nearby, scream as loud as you can. You Have The Right To Be Safe! For more information on support groups, teen shelters, or getting help, call ALTERNATIVE HOUSE at (978) 454-1436 or talk to a health teacher, guidance counselor or other trusted adult. THERE'S NO EXCUSE FOR ABUSE. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Copyright © 1997-2005 Alternative House, Inc. All Rights Reserved. |