• Steps for leaving an abusive relationship
• What to take when you leave
• Safety in your home
• Safety on the job and in public
• Safety with a restraining order
• Safety and your emotional health

Steps for leaving an abusive relationship

1. Remember, leaving a violent relationship can be very difficult and dangerous. Act quickly. Do not tell the abuser you are plannng to leave. Leave money and an extra set of keys and other essentials with someone you trust so you can leave quickly.
2. Open a bank account in your own name to establish and increase your independence.
3. Keep shelter and other emergency phone numbers close at hand.
4. Plan a safe place to go in an emergency.
5. Get a cell phone if you don't already have one, and program "911" into home and mobile phones.
6. Consider getting a restraining order.

What to take when you leave

1. Birth certificates, Driver's License and other identification
2. Money, checkbook, credit cards, bank cards, bank books
3. Social security card
4. Welfare/Medicaid/Health Insurance Cards
5. House and car keys
6. Medications, medical information
7. Address book
8. Passport, greencard, work permit
9. Divorce, support, custody documents
10. Jewelry and other valuables
11. Deeds to property, insurance documents
12. Clothing, toys, books, toiletries
13. A list of important contact names and telephone numbers that you can access quickly in an emergency.

Safety in your home

1. Change the locks on your doors and your phone number. Give the keys and phone number only to people you trust.
2. Buy locks and other safety devices to secure your windows and doors.
3. Discuss alternative safety plans with your children for times when you are home and when you are not home.
4. Inform your children's school, daycare and babysitter who has and who does not have permission to pick up your children.

Safety on the job and in public

1. Tell your friends, family and co-workers about your situation.
2. Arrange to have your telephone calls screened at work.
3. Have a safety plan for when you are at work or school. Arrange to have a co-worker, friend or security guard escort you to your car, bus or home.
4. Be alert to your surroundings.

Safety with a restraining order

1. Keep your restraining order with you at all times.
2. Inform family, friends, neighbors, your landlord, your employer and your school that you have a restraining order, and ask them to call police if they see the abuser near your home, work or school.
3. Call the police immediately if the abuser violates the restraining order.

Safety and your emotional health

1. If you are thinking of returning to an abusive situation, first talk with someone you trust about other possible options.
2. If you have to communicate with the abuser, find the safest way to do this. Try to avoid meeting alone. Have a witness, friend, police officer or an attorney present if possible.
3. Be positive and let others help you.
4. Get involved with support groups or counselors in your community.
5. Don't be embarrassed. You are not alone and you are not at fault.