Protecting Yourself

What is Domestic Violence?

Planning to Leave

When leaving a domestic violence shelter some women choose to return home, and some to an alternative living arrangement.  Many women want to believe that the violence won’t happen again.  Advocates in the domestic violence field would like this to be true.  But because victim/survivors do not cause their partner's abuse, victims cannot control how their partner may hurt them.  Advocates encourage victim/survivors to think ahead, in case their partner chooses to batter them again.  The following are suggestions to use, whether or not you have ever left an abusive partner, in taking steps to protect yourself.

Prepare a safe room in your house

• install inside locks on a door

• plan barricades

• escape to a room with a window or phone

• arrange a signal for help with a neighbor
   

FIND A SAFE SHELTER AND KNOW HOW TO GET TO IT

• arrange to stay with family or friends

• call DVIP 351-1043 or 1-800-373-1043

• keep spare car keys or cab fare in your home’s safe room

• decide whether or not you will take the children with you

START TALKING TO PEOPLE

• call the shelter for support

• call other supportive agencies for information and resources

• talk to a lawyer to learn about your rights

• contact a trustworthy friend

DOCUMENT THE ABUSE

• keep a journal (make sure it is hidden)

• get photos of your injuries and property damage

• seek medical attention and have injuries documented in your records

• show injuries to family and friends

PAPERS YOU SHOULD COPY

• bills for injuries or damaged property

• rent/mortgage/utility payments

• social security numbers for you and your children

• social service papers

• property and auto titles/registration
   

IDENTIFICATION YOU SHOULD HAVE

• social security cards

• birth certificates

• driver’s license

• tax and bank records
   

KEYS

• hide keys to your car, house, safety deposit, post office box

MONEY

• hide cash or open your own bank account

• save or xerox pay-stubs
   

PACK A SUITCASE & HIDE IT

• in car, under bed, neighbor’s, church, public locker, garage, etc.

• pack for yourself and kids: shoes, socks, underwear, nightwear, change of clothes, toothbrush,   combs, diapers, etc.

• address book with important numbers

• treasured possessions - things he might destroy

Home

Domestic Violence Intervention Program
P.O. Box 3170
Iowa City, IA  52244
In Iowa: 1-800-373-1043
Phone: 319-351-1043     Fax: 319-466-4624
DVIP@avalon.net

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