Personal safety plan

Although I don't have control over everything that my partner does and can't always foresee violence, I have various possibilities of getting myself and my children to safety.

1. In an emergency I can do the following:

Flee
• If I decide to do this, I know the emergency exits: doors, windows, elevators.

• I leave money and extra keys at/in............................, so that I have them at hand in an emergency.

• I give extra keys, copies of the most important papers, clothing and children’s things to............................., who keeps them for me and will bring them if I need them.

• In case I have to flee, I will go to ............................. I've arranged this.

• If I can not speak openly, I use the word............................. as a code word, so that my children know that we’re leaving and so that my friends understand that I’m coming.

Get help
• I use the word...................... as a code word, so that my friends know when they should call the police.

• I can talk with my neighbour....................... about violence and ask him/her to call the police if they become suspicious or hear me knocking signals on the heating pipes. I save emergency numbers in my phone and show my children how they can call the police or fire department. I make sure that they can give the address if necessary.

• I trust my instincts: If I perceive that violent arguments are coming, I attempt to stay near the phone or to leave the residence. I get a cell phone without his knowledge.

2. I plan my escape

• The most important emergency numbers are:......................................

• I always carry change/calling cards, and have the most important numbers with me.

• I only make telephone calls from secure places so that my partner doesn't find out about my plans.

• I can discuss my plans with ...............................

• I inform my children in part.

• I open my own bank account with my own credit card and make copies of all important documents, which I will leave with............................

I pack an »emergency bag«

•  Identification / passport and the children's travel papers
•  citizenship identification, if applicable
•  documents proving legal residence or right to reside
•..birth certificates / marriage certificate
•..health insurance card for you and the children
•..lease agreement, work contract
•  pension and social welfare documents; notifications from the employment office
•..child custody or protection orders, if applicable
•  copies of bank documents, savings account books, securities
•  jewellery
•  everything needed for a couple of days:
  clothes, hygiene products, school supplies, favourite toys, medicine
•  spare keys to the residence and car
•..address book
•  mementos: diaries, photos, things dear to you

3. Safety at home and at work after a separation

• I exchange door locks and install safety locks.

• I avoid places where my partner assumes I will be or looks for me.

• I let them know at the kindergarden/school who may pick up my children.

• I change my telephone number.

• In case of threatening danger in public, on the way to work, or to the kindergarden, I do the following: I apply to the responsible district court for a prohibition of contact (protection order under civil law) and make sure that it is formally served. I always carry this court order and the proof of formal service with me.

4. I look out for myself:

• I know an attorney, who can help me: ..................................

• If I’m feeling bad and am considering whether I should go back into a dangerous situation, then I can call............................. or talk to..............................

The basis for this safety plan was taken from the »Separation Safety Plan« of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. It was compiled and translated by Angelika May.