Safety Plan for Victims of Domestic Violence

Developed by Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence

Safety planning helps develop tools in advance of potentially dangerous situations. Choose only the suggestions listed here that make sense for your situation.

SAFETY DURING AN EXPLOSIVE INCIDENT

Go to an area that has an exit.
Not a bathroom (near hard surfaces), kitchen (knives), or near weapons.

Stay in a room with a phone.
Call 911, a friend, or a neighbor, if necessary. In-form them if there are weapons in the home.

Know your escape route.
Practice how to get out of your home safely. Visualize your escape route.

Have a packed bag ready.
Keep it hidden in a handy place in order to leave quickly, or leave the bag elsewhere if the abuser searches your home.

Devise a code word or signal.
Tell your children, grandchildren, or neighbors so you can communicate to them that you need the police.

Know where you're going.
Plan where you will go if you have to leave home, even if you don't think you'll need to..

Trust your judgment.
Consider anything that you feel will keep you safe and give you time to figure out what to do next. Sometimes it is best to flee and sometimes it is best to appease the abuser - anything that works to protect yourself and the children.

SAFETY WHEN PREPARING TO LEAVE

LEAVING CAN BE THE MOST DANGEROUS TIME!

Have a safe place to stay.
Make sure it is a place that can protect you and your children or grandchildren.

Call a sexual and domestic violence victim service program.
Find out which services and shelters are available as options if you need them. Keep their address and phone number close at hand at all times.

Find someone you trust.
Leave money, extra keys, copies of important documents, and clothing with them in advance so you can leave quickly, if necessary.

Open a savings account.
Put it in your name only, to increase your independence. Consider direct deposit from your paycheck or benefit check.

Concerns about immigration status.
You may qualify under a law called the Violence Against Women Act. Talk to an immigration expert (not Immigration and Customs Enforcement) or your local sexual and domestic violence program (see "Kansas Sexual and Domestic Violence Programs and Crisis Numbers by City" below) for more information.

SAFETY IN YOUR OWN HOME (If the abuser does not live with you)

Upgrade your security system.
Change the locks on doors and windows. Consider a security service, window bars, better lighting, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers.

Have a safety plan.
Teach your children or grandchildren how to call the police or someone they can trust. Have a secret code word that you and your children agree on to communicate trouble and for the people who are allowed to pick up the children.

Change your phone number.
Screen your calls. Save or take screenshots of all voicemails or text messages with threats or that violate any orders. If you are concerned that the abuser may have tampered with your phone, you may want to get a new phone and/or phone number or a disposable cell phone that the abuser does not have access to.

Talk to neighbors and landlord.
Inform them that the abuser no longer lives with you and that they should call the police if they see the abuser near your home.

Get legal advice.
Find a lawyer knowledgeable about domestic violence to explore custody, visitation, and divorce options that may protect you and the children. Discuss getting a protection order as an option.

The abuser may be mandated to a batterers’ intervention program. Talk with the program to find out more about potential risks to you while the abuser participates. Additionally, contact your local sexual and domestic violence program (see "Kansas Sexual and Domestic Violence Programs and Crisis Numbers by City" below) for more information.

SAFETY ON THE JOB

Tell somebody
There can be pros and cons to informing your employer about your situation. You can discuss any concerns you may have with a domestic or sexual violence advocate who can talk with you about your employment rights and can help you plan for your safety on the job (see “Kansas Sexual and Domestic Violence Programs and Crisis Numbers by City” below). Decide who at work you will inform of your situation, especially if you have a Protection From Abuse Order (PFA). This may include office security, if available. Provide a picture of the abuser, if necessary. You can request confidentiality from those you disclose to.

Screen your calls.
Arrange to have someone screen and log your telephone calls, if necessary.

Make a safety plan.
Create a safety plan for when you enter and leave your work place. Have someone escort you to your vehicle or other transportation.

If you and the abuser work at the same place, discuss with your supervisor your options regarding scheduling, safety precautions, and employee/family benefits.

In an Emergency, Call 911

SAFETY AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH

Get support.
Call a domestic violence crisis hotline or attend a women’s or victims’ support group to gain support from others and learn more about yourself and the relationship with the abuser.

Do what is safe for you.
If you have to communicate with the abuser, arrange to do so in a way that makes you feel safe – whether by phone, mail, or in the company of another person.

SAFETY AND YOUR CHILDREN

Tell schools and childcare.
Let them know who has permission to pick up the children. Discuss with them other special provisions to protect you and your children. Provide a picture of the abuser, if necessary.

Exchange children in a safe place.
Find a safe place to exchange the children for visitation. Some communities have specific locations just for this purpose. Contact your local sexual and domestic violence program (see “Kansas Sexual and Domestic Violence Programs and Crisis Numbers by City” below) for more information.

YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN DESERVE TO BE SAFE!

IF YOU DECIDE TO LEAVE, TAKE WITH YOU...

Marriage and Driver's licenses
Birth certificates - yours and family's
Money, checkbooks, credit cards, ATM cards, mortgage payment book, car title
Social Security card, work permit, green card, passport, visa
Divorce, custody papers and protection order
Insurance papers and medical records
Lease, rental agreement and/or house deed
School and health records
Keys - house, car, office, friend's
Medications, glasses, hearing aids needed by you and your family
Personal items - address book, pictures, toys
Copies of your spouse's green card or social security card and all immigration related documents
Benefit card

In an Emergency, Call 911

For support, contact:

The sexual and domestic violence program nearest you (see "Kansas Sexual and Domestic Violence Programs and Crisis Numbers by City" below)

Kansas Crisis Hotline
1-888-END-ABUSE
(1-888-363-2287)

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)

Kansas Sexual and Domestic Violence Programs and Crisis Numbers by City

(dv): domestic violence services
(sv): sexual violence services

City: Atchison
Program Name: DoVES
Counties Served: Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Nemaha
Services: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Crisis Hotline Number: 913-367-0363

City: Dodge City
Program Name: Crisis Center of Dodge City
Counties Served: Clark, Ford, Gray, Hodgeman, Meade
Services: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Website: http://dodgecitycrisiscenter.com
Crisis Hotline Number: 620-225-6510 or 1-866-270-2270

City: El Dorado
Program Name: Family Life Center Safe House
Counties Served: Butler
Services: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/flcsafehouse/
Crisis Hotline Number: 800-870-6967 or 316-321-7104

City: Emporia
Program Name: SOS, Inc.
Counties Served: Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage
Services: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Website: http://soskansas.com/
Crisis Hotline Number: 800-825-1295 or 620-342-1870

City: Garden City
Program Name: Family Crisis Services
Counties Served: Finney, Greeley, Hamilton, Kearny, Lane, Scott, Wichita
Services: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Website: http://www.familycrisisservices.org/
Crisis Hotline Number: 620-275-5911

City: Great Bend
Program Name: Family Crisis Center, Inc.
Counties Served: Barber, Barton, Comanche, Edwards, Kiowa, Ness, Pawnee, Pratt, Rush, Stafford
Services: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Website: http://www.familycrisiscntr.org/
Crisis Hotline Number: 866-792-1885 or 620-792-1885

City: Hays
Program Name: Options: Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, Inc.
Counties Served: Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Osborne, Phillips, Rawlins, Rooks, Russell, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Thomas, Trego, Wallace
Services: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Website: http://www.help4abuse.org/
Crisis Hotline Number: 800-794-4624 or 785-625-3055

City: Hutchinson
Program Name: Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Center
Counties Served: Harper, Kingman, Marion, McPherson, Reno, Rice
Services: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Website: http://www.sadvchutch.org/
Crisis Hotline Number: 800-701-3630 or 620-663-2522

City: Iola
Program Name: Hope Unlimited
Counties Served: Allen, Anderson, Neosho, Woodson
Services: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Website: http://www.hope-unlimited.org/index.html
Crisis Hotline Number: 620-365-7566

City: Kansas City
Program Name: Friends of Yates - Della Gill/Joyce H. Williams Center
Counties Served: Wyandotte
Services: Domestic Violence
Website: http://www.friendsofyates.org/
Crisis Hotline Number: 913-321-0951

City: Kansas City
Program Name: SAFEHOME
Counties Served: Johnson, Miami
Services: Domestic Violence
Website: http://www.safehome-ks.org/
Crisis Hotline Number: 888-432-4300 or 913-262-2868

City: Kansas City
Program Name: MOCSA
Counties Served: Johnson, Miami, Wyandotte
Services: Sexual Assault
Website: http://mocsa.org/
Crisis Hotline Number: 913-642-0233 or 816-531-0233

City: Kansas City
Program Name: El Centro, Inc. ¡Si Se Puede!
Counties Served: Johnson, Miami, Wyandotte
Services: Domestic Violence
Website: http://www.elcentroinc.com/
Crisis Hotline Number: 913-677-0100

City: Kansas City
Program Name: Kansas City Anti-Violence Project (LGBT services)
Counties Served: Johnson, Miami, Wyandotte
Services: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Website: http://www.kcavp.org/
Crisis Hotline Number: 816-561-0550

City: Lawrence
Program Name: The Sexual Trauma and Abuse Care Center
Counties Served: Douglas, Franklin, Jefferson
Services: Sexual Assault
Website: http://stacarecenter.org
Crisis Hotline Number: 785-843-8985

City: Lawrence
Program Name: The Willow Domestic Violence Center
Counties Served: Douglas, Franklin, Jefferson
Services: Domestic Violence
Website: http://www.willowdvcenter.org/
Crisis Hotline Number: 800-770-3030 or 785-843-3333

City: Leavenworth
Program Name: Alliance Against Family Violence
Counties Served: Leavenworth
Services: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Website: http://www.aafv.net/
Crisis Hotline Number: 800-644-1441 or 913-682-9131

City: Liberal
Program Name: LARC/DVS, Inc.
Counties Served: Grant, Haskell, Morton, Seward, Stanton, Stevens
Services: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Website: http://www.larcdvs.org/
Crisis Hotline Number: 888-417-7273 or 620-624-8818

City: Manhattan
Program Name:The Crisis Center, Inc.
Counties Served: Clay, Geary, Marshall, Pottawatomie, Riley
Services: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Website: http://www.thecrisiscenterinc.org/
Crisis Hotline Number: 800-727-2785 or 785-539-2785

City: Mayetta
Program Name: Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation - Tribal Victims Services Program
Counties Served: Tribal Members of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribe
Services: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Website: http://www.pbpindiantribe.com/social-services.aspx
Crisis Hotline Number: 866-966-0173 or 785-966-8330

City: Newton
Program Name: Harvey County DV/SA Task Force
Counties Served: Harvey, Marion, McPherson
Services: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Website: https://www.facebook.com/harveycodvsa/
Crisis Hotline Number: 800-487-0510 or 316-283-0350

City: Pittsburg
Program Name: Safehouse Crisis Center, Inc.
Counties Served: Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Montgomery, Wilson
Services: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Website: http://www.safehousecrisiscenter.org/
Crisis Hotline Number: 800-794-9148 or 620-231-8251

City: Salina
Program Name:Domestic Violence Assoc. of Central Kansas
Counties Served: Cloud, Dickinson, Ellsworth, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Ottawa, Republic, Saline, Washington
Services: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Website: http://www.dvack.org/
Crisis Hotline Number: 800-874-1499 or 785-827-5862

City: Topeka
Program Name: YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment
Counties Served: Jackson, Shawnee, Wabaunsee
Services: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Website: http://www.ywcaneks.org
Crisis Hotline Number: 888-822-2983 or 785-354-7927

City: Wichita
Program Name: Catholic Charities Harbor House
Counties Served: Sedgwick
Services: Domestic Violence
Website: http://www.catholicdioceseofwichita.org/family-stabilization/harbor-house
Crisis Hotline Number: 866-899-5522 or 316-263-6000

City: Wichita
Program Name: StepStone
Counties Served: Sedgwick
Services: Domestic Violence
Website: http://www.stepstoneks.org
Crisis Hotline Number: 316-265-1611

City: Wichita
Program Name: Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center
Counties Served: Sedgwick
Services: Sexual Assault
Website: http://wichitasac.com
Crisis Hotline Number: 877-927-2248 or 316-263-3002 o español: 316-263-2044

City: Wichita
Program Name: YWCA Women's Crisis Center
Counties Served: Sedgwick
Services: Domestic Violence
Website: http://www.ywcaofwichita.org
Crisis Hotline Number: 316-267-7233

City: Winfield
Program Name: Safe Homes, Inc.
Counties Served: Cowley, Chautauqua, Elk, and Sumner
Services: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Safe Homes, Inc. is temporarily closed. Victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault who are in need of advocacy services in Cowley, Chautauqua, Elk, and Sumner counties should call the 24/7 Kansas Crisis Hotline at 1-888-363-2287 to receive services by the surrounding advocacy programs.
Website: www.safehomesinc.org/index.php