The following steps are my plan for increasing my safety and preparing to protect myself in case of further abuse. Although I can’t control my abuser’s violence, I do have a choice about how I respond and how I get to safety. I will decide for myself if and when I will tell others that I have been abused, or that I am still at risk. Friends, family and co-workers can help protect me, if they know what is happening, and what they can do to help.
To increase my safety, I can do some or all of the following:
1. When I have to talk to my abuser in person, I can______________________________.
2. When I talk to my abuser on the phone, I can ________________________________.
3. I will make up a "code word" for my family, co-workers, or friends,
so they know when to call for help for me. My code word is _________________.
4. When I feel a fight coming on, I will try to move to a place that is
lowest risk for getting hurt such as _____________________(at home) or
(at work) _______________________ or__________________________ . (in public)
5. I can tell my family, co-workers, boss, or a friend about my situation.
I feel safe telling: _________________________.
6. I can use an answering machine or ask my co-workers, friends or other
family members to screen my calls and visitors. I have the right to not
receive harassing phone calls. I can ask: _________________________(home)
or _____________________(work) to help screen my phone calls.
7. I can keep change for phone calls with me at all times. I can call
any of the following people for assistance or support if necessary and
can ask them to call the police if they see my abuser bothering me.
- friend____________________________________________
- relative___________________________________________
- co-worker_________________________________________
- counselor_________________________________________
- shelter___________________________________________
- other____________________________________________
8. When leaving work I can: _____________________________________________.
9. When walking, riding or driving home, if problems occur, I can: _____________________
_______________________________________________________________.
10. I can attend a support group for women who have been abused. Support
groups are held:
_______________________________________________ at the Shelter for Help
in Emergency .
11. Telephone Numbers I Need to Know:
Police Department: ____________________ Probation Officer: ____________________________
Shelter for Help in Emergency: Hotline: 293-8598 and Business Office:
293-6155
UVA Sexual Assault Education Office: 982-2774
Counselor: __________________________________________________
Clergy Person: ______________________________________________
Attorney: ___________________________________________________
Other: ______________________________________________________