|
|
SAFETY DURING AN EXPLOSIVE INCIDENT
- If an argument seems unavoidable, try to have it in a room or area with an exit and not in the
bathroom, kitchen or anywhere near weapons.
- Have a packed bag ready and keep it in a secret but accessible place in order to leave quickly.
- Identify a neighbor you can tell about the violence and ask that they call the police if they hear a disturbance coming from your home.
- Devise a code word to use with your children, family, friends, and neighbors when you need the police.
- Decide and plan for where you will go if you have to leave home (even if you don't think you will need to).
- If the situation is very dangerous, use your own instincts and judgments to keep yourself safe.
Call the police as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Discuss with a Counselor/Advocate whether a Protection From Abuse Order (PFA)
would be helpful.
SAFETY WHEN PREPARING TO LEAVE
- Determine who would let you stay with them or lend you some money.
- Always try to take your children with you or make arrangements to leave them with someone safe.
- Leave money, extra keys, copies of important documents and clothes with someone you trust.
- Open a savings account in your own name to establish or increase your independence.
- Keep the shelter numbers close by and keep change or a calling card with you at all times.
- Review your safety plan with a domestic violence advocate to plan the safest way to leave your batterer
Remember --- leaving your abusive partner is the most dangerous time. Review your safety plan as often as necessary so you know the safest way to leave.
IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED SEXUAL VIOLENCE
- Get to a safe place as soon as you can. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
- Try to preserve all physical evidence. If possible, do not bathe, shower, douche, use the toilet,
or change clothing until after a medical exam. Paper bags should be used for transporting evidence.
- Contact the police at 911.
- Contact a close friend who can be with you until you feel safe again. Counselors are also available
24 hours a day for support and accompaniment to medical and legal services including hospital
exams and court hearings.
- Emergency pregnancy contraception can be effective up to 72 hours following the incident. Ask about it
at the hospital or other medical facility.
- It is common to experience Rape Trauma Syndrome immediately after the incident or as much as years later.
This includes sleep disturbances, flashbacks, physical ailments, panic attacks, difficulty in relationships,
and eating disorders. You can talk to a counselor about any concerns you may have.
- Being forced or intimidated into having sex, even in a marriage or dating relationship, is abuse.
|
![[Statecollege.com]](../images/sticker.gif)