There are many things you can do to increase safety in your own residence after you are away from your abuser. It may be impossible to do everything at once, but safety measures can be added step by step.

Safety measures I can use include:

A. I can change the locks on my doors and windows as soon as possible.

B. I can replace wooden doors with steel/metal doors.

C. I can install security systems including additional locks, window bars, poles to wedge against doors, an electronic system, etc.

D. I can purchase rope ladders to be used for escape from second floor windows.

E. I can install smoke detectors and purchase fire extinguishers for each floor in my house/apartment.

F. I can install an outside lighting system that lights up when a person is coming close to my house.

G. I will teach my children how to use the telephone to make a collect call to me and to ______________ (friend/minister/other) in the event that my partner takes them.

H. I will tell people who take care of my children what persons have permission to pick up my children and that my partner is not permitted to do so. The people I wll inform about pick-up permission include:

• School: ______________
• Day care staff: ______________
• Babysitter: ______________
• Sunday school teacher: ______________
• Teacher: ______________
• Other: ______________

I. I can inform neighbors, pastor, and friends that my partner no longer resides with me and that they should call the police if observed near my residence.

Go to Step 4

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