Preparing to Leave

Deciding to leave is a crucial step to your safety and independence. Below is a checklist of items that you will need to begin your new life:

Identification

  • Driver’s license
  • Birth certificates (yours and children’s)
  • Social Security Card
  • Welfare identification
  • Medial insurance cards

Money

  • Money and/or credit card
  • ATM card
  • Savings books
  • Checkbook

Legal Documents

  • Lease, rental agreement or deed to house/properties
  • Car registration & insurance papers
  • Health and life insurance papers
  • Medical records for you and your children
  • School and shot record
  • Work permits/green card or visa
  • Passport
  • Divorce papers
  • Custody papers
  • Orders of Protection

Other Things

  • Medication for you and your children
  • Keys to house,  car and safety deposit boxes
  • Address book
  • Phone card 
  • Clothing
  • Toiletries/Diapers
  • Jewelry
  • Pictures of you, children and your abuser
  • Children’s small toys

(Source:  Maricopa Association of Governments)

If you think your abuser may be monitoring your computer activities, be aware that a computer trail can be traced. Please exit this website and use a safer computer such as at a public library or community center. To quickly exit to a safe web site, click here.