SAFETY PLAN
	SEVEN IMPORTANT PARTS OF A SAFETY PLAN: Click on any title below to take you straight to that section. SAFETY DURING AN EXPLOSIVE INCIDENT SAFETY WHEN PREPARING TO LEAVE SAFETY IN YOUR OWN HOME SAFETY WITH A PROTECTIVE ORDER SAFETY ON THE JOB AND IN PUBLIC YOUR SAFETY AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH POLICE, SHELTERS, AND OTHER IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Click this icon  to download a printable version of the safety plan. To view the safety plan, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can click the image below to download it.
	I. Safety During an Explosive Incident: If an argument seems unavoidable, try to have it in a room or area that has access to an exit and not in the bathroom, kitchen, or anywhere near weapons. Practice how to get out of your home safely. Identify which doors, windows, elevator, or stairwell would be used. Have a packed bag ready and keep it in an undisclosed but accessible place in order to leave quickly. Identify a neighbor you can tell about the violence and ask that they call the police if they hear a disturbance coming from your home. Devise a code word to use with your children, family, friends, and neighbors when you need police. Decide and plan for where you will go if you have to leave home even if you don′t think you will need to. Use your own instincts and judgment. If the situation is very dangerous, consider giving the abuser what he wants to calm him down. You have the right to protect yourself until you are out of danger. Always remember! YOU DON′T DESERVE TO BE HIT OR THREATENED! Click here to return to top of page
	II. Safety When Preparing to Leave: Open a savings account in your own name to start to establish or increase your independence. Think of ways you can increase independence. Leave money, an extra set of keys, copies of important documents and extra clothing with someone you can 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! Click here to return to top of page
	III. Safety in Your Own Home: Change the locks on your doors as soon as possible. Buy additional lock 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 near your home. Click here to return to top of page
	IV. Safety with a Protective Order: Keep your protective order with you at all times.(When you change your purse, your order should be the first thing that goes in it). Call the police if your partner breaks the protective order. Think of alternative ways to stay safe if the police do not respond right away. Click here to return to top of page
	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 if possible. Click here to return to top of page
	VI. Your Safety and 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 two weeks to gain support from others, and learn more about yourself and the relationship. Click here to return to top of page
	Police, Shelters, and Other Important Phone Numbers: Area Police Phone Numbers Castle Rock Police  274-4711 Cowlitz County Sheriff  577-3092 Kalama Police  673-2165 Kelso Police  423-1270 Longview Police  442-5800 State Patrol  577-2050 Wahkiakum County Sheriff  795-3242 Woodland Police  225-8981 Battered Women's Shelter and Resources Charlotte House, Cathlamet  795-6400 Emergency Support Shelter, Kelso  425-1176 24 hour crisis line  636-8471 Legal Advocate  425-1176 ext. 15 Human Resource Network, Chehalis  748-1429 Safe Choice, Vancouver  696-0167 Women′s Resource Center, St. Helens  503-397-7110 or 1-800-397-6161 Other Important Numbers Adult Protective Services  501-2500 Center for Behavioral Solutions  414-2280 Child Protective Services  501-2600 Community House  425-8679 Cowlitz Family Health Center (WIC)  636-3892 Lower Columbia Mental Health  425-5380 Crisis Response  425-6064 Click here to return to top of page
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