Plan for Safety, Identify Support and Survival Needs
Finding Support
Many abusers isolate their victims geographically and socially and as a result, many victims have lost their support system. Developing a support network can be very helpful when planning for your safety. There are many people and places to turn to for help like:
- Friends
- Domestic and sexual violence hotline
- Family
- Women’s support groups
- Faith communities
- Counselors
Think about the following questions when asking for support:
- How have these people helped me in the past?
- How might they help me now?
You may also ask if you have:
- A place to live or a safe place to go? Project DOVE has a secure shelter where you and your family will be safe.
- Money or a way to get money? You may be eligible for an emergency grant from Department of Human Services Self-Sufficiency Program.
- Transportation or a way to leave? We can transport you from a public place to the shelter and we also have bus tickets available for our shelter residents.
- Food or a way to get food? You may be eligible for emergency food stamps from Department of Human Services and we also have a list of places for food boxes.
- If needed, safe and reliable child care? You may be eligible for emergency child care through Community Action Agency.
What To Take If You Leave (If you have time)
1. Identification: Driver’s license, social security cards for you and your children, work permit, green card, passport
- Money: checkbooks, credit/debit cards
- House and car keys
- Medications
- Address book
2. Change of clothes
The following papers are easily replaceable:
- Birth certificate (at the county courthouse)
- Restraining order, stalking order, divorce papers, custody
- order (also at the county courthouse)
- Insurance papers (at your agent’s office)
- Lease (at your landlord’s office)
- Medical records (at your doctor’s office)
Remember, it is okay if you forget something you need. Your support system may be able to help you replace things you need. You can also call the hotline to find out how to get certain items.