Safety Tips for Victims of Domestic Violence

These safety tips will be useful for any survivor who is threatened by abuse whether you are or are not currently living with the abuser.

  • Hide extra money, car keys and coil wire (for car).
  • Hide important documents (marriage license, birth certificates, social security cards, school records, etc.) in a safe place so you can get to them in a hurry.
  • Keep a bag/suitcase packed for emergency exits. Leave this with a trusted friend or relative.
  • Plan for a place to go in case of an emergency such as a shelter, trusted friend, or relative's house.
  • Have the phone number of the police department available (dial 911 for all emergency calls) and get the name/badge number of the responding officer(s) should the need arise to call.
  • Teach and encourage the children to go to a neighbor's house to call 911 during an abusive incident.
  • If possible, have a special room in the house with an extra strong lock.
  • Understand the cycle of violence so that you can recognize when a violent episode may occur; then take the children and leave the house at once.
  • If attacked, go to the hospital for prompt medical attention; have the abuse documented as domestic violence on hospital records.
  • Keep a record of injuries, including photographs, so that legal evidence can be produced to press charges and/or secure a Personal Protection Order (PPO).
  • Have a special signal to use with neighbors, friends or relatives with which to alert a call for help. In such cases, the police can then be called (listening for screams, lights flickering on and off, etc.) by that individual.
  • If the survivor returns home to the joint residence and the abuser has been evicted, all locks should be changed immediately.
  • Conduct daily routines at different times of day if possible. Utilize different grocery stores or shopping malls. Take alternate routes to work and schools.
Domestic Abuse Survivors Support Services
(269) 673-8700 or
888-411-7837 (24/7)