You can't always avoid violent incidents. In order to increase safety, consider a variety of strategies.

I can use some or all of the following strategies:

A. If I decide to leave, I will ______________. (Practice how to get out safely. What doors, windows, elevators, stairwells, or fire escapes would you use?)

B. I can keep my purse and car keys ready and put them (place) ______________ in order to leave quickly.

Also leave a set of keys with a trusted friend or relative. Make sure they know WHY you are leaving them a set of keys so they don't accidentally let it slip if your abuser talks with them. If that's not an option, how about a set in your desk drawer at work or even hidden somewhere on the outside of your house? For the short term, you can even get magnetic key boxes that attach under the fender of your car.

C. I can tell ______________ about the violence and request they call the police if they hear suspicious noises coming from my house.

D. I can teach my children how to use the telephone to contact the police and the fire department.

E. I will use ______________ as my code for my children or my friends so they can call for help.

F. If I have to leave my home, I will go ______________. (Decide this even if you don't think there will be a next time.)

G. I can also teach some of these strategies to some/all of my children.

H. When I expect we are going to have an argument, I will try to move to a space that is lowest risk, such as ______________. (Try to avoid arguments in the bathroom, garage, kitchen, near weapons, or in rooms without access to an outside door.)

I. I will use my judgment and intuition. If the situation is very serious, I can give my partner what he/she wants to calm him/her down. I have to protect myself until I/we are out of danger.

Go to Step 2

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