Developing a Safety Plan
Steps to take while you're in the relationship:

• Pack clothes for you and your children and a list of the addresses and telephone numbers of relatives and close friends who may be able to help you. Keep the suitcase in the home of a friend or neighbor or hide it in your home where you can get to it easily.
• Have an extra set of keys to your home and car. Keep these hidden in your suitcase.
• Teach your children how to use the phone to reach the police or fire department.
• Collect and save evidence (such as names and addresses of witnesses, pictures of your injuries, police and medical reports.)
• Develop a code word that you can use with your children or a friend so they can call for help when you can't.
• Take extra cash (be sure to have enough cash or possibly an extra credit card to cover you for a couple of days in your suitcase), savings books, checkbooks, credit cards, and any other special valuables.
• Take something comforting for the children such as a favorite toy or book.
• Take legal documents such as identification, birth certificates, Social Security card, driver's license, marriage certificate, your restraining order, documentation of car ownership, medication, court papers, and other legal documents.
• Keep these where you can get to them easily and quickly. You may need these documents for a number of reasons.

If you need help creating this plan you may ask Plainsboro Township Police detectives, domestic violence response team counselors, or a close and trusted friend.

After Leaving
Steps to take after you have left the relationship:

• After you get a restraining order, make copies of the order and take one to your local police for their files. You should probably give a copy to all of the following people: your children's school, day care center, or baby-sitter; a neighbor or nearby relative, someone where you live or work, such as a security guard.
• Keep a copy of your restraining order with you at all times.
• If you remain in the home, change locks, get a security system and put in bright lights outside.
• Get someone at work to screen your calls, if you can.
• Avoid stores, restaurants, bank, and other places that you used to use and where your partner may go looking for you.
• Join a support group.

Get Support
Support is just a phone call away 609-799-2333. Call anytime and ask to speak with a counselor.