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Establish Contacts You Can Trust

_Communicate with someone who can help decide where you and your children would go if you needed to leave quickly. This may be difficult especially if your partner has isolated you; however, it is important to confide in someone who can help you:
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  • A trusted friend or family member who can listen without judging and keep your confidentiality.
  • An advocate or domestic violence hotline counselor can help you figure out which friends and relatives might be able to help you.
  • An advocate or hotline counselor can help you figure out alternatives if you have to leave at a time when no one you know is available to help you.
  • If you don't have a car, think of a safe place close to your home where your friend could pick you up. Also, know the routes to the subway, bus stop, and train station nearest to your home.
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  • If you feel comfortable, tell your neighbors about the violence and ask if they will call the police if suspicious noises are coming from your home.
  • If you have an Order of Protection, keep it on you at all times and keep a copy of it somewhere safe.
  • You can dial 911 for free from most telephones. If you are in immediate danger, you should always call 911.
  • You may want to plan a code word or phrase to use on the telephone with a friend if you need to access help when your abuser is present. Tell your friend that when you say that code word, it means you're in trouble and you need him/her to call 911 for you.

Important Documents to Bring

_Keep important documents together in a safe place. A domestic violence hotline counselor or advocate can help you decide where. These documents and other necessities could include:
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  • Order of Protection
  • ATM card
  • Money/cab fare
  • Check book
  • Credit card
  • Passport
  • Green card
  • Work permit
  • Public Assistance ID
  • Mobile phone/coins to use in a payphone
  • Driver's license & registration
  • Social security card
  • Your partner’s social security number
  • Medical records
  • Address book
  • Insurance policies
  • Important legal documents
  • Police records
  • Record of violence
  • Baby’s things (diapers, formula, medication)
  • Children’s school and immunization records
  • Birth certificates
  • Medications
  • Clothing
  • Eye glasses
  • Lease
  • Non-perishable snacks for children (e.g. juice and crackers)
  • Important phone numbers including the Safe Horizon Domestic Violence Hotline: 800.621.HOPE (4673) (If you are not in New York City, call the national hotline at 800.799.SAFE (7233)

How to Keep Your Children Safe

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  • Make sure your children know how to dial 911 in an emergency situation
  • Instruct your children on where to go in an emergency

Prepare for the Future

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  • Keep a journal of all violent incidents, noting dates, events and threats made if possible.
  • Advance your career and ability to work by completing school, taking courses, or learning a new skill.
  • Try to set money aside or ask friends or family members to hold money for you.

Decide how You & Your Children would get Out of Your Home

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  • Decide on a pathway if you have to leave at night. Think of public places you can access 24 hours a day. Know the route to police stations, hospitals, fire stations, and 24 hour convenience stores in your area.
  • If you leave by car, make sure you lock the car doors immediately.
  • Consider making a plan for each room in your home. What can you do to get out of the basement or upper floors of your home?
  • Know which doors lock in your home.
  • If you live in an apartment building, think of all the ways to get out safely. Is there a fire escape that could get you safely to the ground? Is there a stairwell you could use?
  • Keep your essential belongings (credit cards/ID) and keys in a safe place, in case you have to leave quickly.
  • If you are afraid that your partner will harass you at work, make an escape route at work. Also, give a photo of him/her to a supervisor you trust and ask that s/he not be allowed inside. If you have an Order of Protection, give the security guard or receptionist a copy.

Comprehensive Guide to Domestic Abuse

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Hotlines

Polk County
Domestic Abuse Hotline
(863) 413-2700

Hillsborough County
Domestic Abuse Hotline
(813) 247-7233

Teen Dating Abuse Hotline
(866) 331-9474

Local Domestic Abuse Hotline
(863) 413-2700