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Safety and Protection

Plan For Safety, Identify Support and Survival Needs

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:

How have these people helped me in the past?
How might they help me now?

Survival Needs

Do you have:

* A place to live or a safe place to go?

We have a safe shelter

* Money or a way to get money?

You may be eligible for an emergency grant from Department of Human Services Self-Sufficiency Program

* Transportation or a way to leave?

We can transport you from a public place to the shelter and we have bus tickets available for our shelter residents

* Food or a way to get food?

You may be eligible for emergency food stamps from Department of Human Services and we have a list of places to get a food box

* If needed, safe and reliable child care?

You may be eligible for emergency child care through Community Action Agency

What to take if you leave

If you have time, you may want to take the following items:

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

The following papers are easily replaceable:

  • 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.

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