If you are in an abusive situation, there are steps you can take to plan for your safety and that of your children:

Safety at Home

• Stay out of rooms with no exits
• Avoid rooms that may have weapons
• Select a code word that alerts friends and children to call police
• Leave suitcase and checklist items with a friend

When the Abuser Has Moved Out

• Obtain an Order of Protection (call our Pathways victim advocate at 602.819.0082 for assistance)
• Keep your Order with you at ALL TIMES, and give copies to family, friends, employers, babysitters, etc.
• Change locks on doors and windows
• Install a peephole in the door
• Change telephone number, screen calls and block caller ID when making outgoing calls
• Install/increase outside lighting
• Consider getting a dog
• Inform landlord or a neighbor of situation and ask that police be called if abuser is seen around the home

Safety at Work

• Tell your employer
• Give security a photo of abuser and a copy of the Order of Protection
• Screen your calls
• Have an escort to your car or bus
• Vary your route to and from work
• Consider a cell phone for your car
• Carry a noisemaker or personal alarm

Protecting Your Children

• Plan and rehearse an escape route with your children
• If it is safe, teach them a code word to call 9-1-1 and how to use a public telephone
• Let school personnel know to whom children can be released
• Give school personnel a photo of abuser and a copy of the Order of Protection
• Warn school personnel not to divulge your address and phone number