The following steps can help me protect myself in case of further abuse. I can't control my abuser's violence, but I can choose how to respond and how to get to safety. I will decide for myself if and when I will tell others that I have been abused or that I am still at risk. Friends, family and co-workers can help protect me if they know what is happening and how they can help.
To increase my safety, I can do some or all of the following:
• When I have to talk to my abuser in person, I can: ___________________________________
• When I talk to my abuser on the phone, I can: _______________________________________
• I will make up a “code word” for my family, co-workers and friends to let them know when I need help. My code word is: __________________________________
• When I feel a fight coming on, I will try to move to a place where I'm least likely to get hurt such as _________________(at work) or ___________________ (at home) or _________________________ (in public)
• I can tell my family, co-workers, boss or a friend about my situation. I feel safe telling: _______________________________
• I can use an answering machine or ask my co-workers, friends or family members to screen my calls and visitors. I have the right not to receive harassing phone calls. I can ask ______________________(at work) or ____________________(at home) to screen my phone calls.
• I can keep change for phone calls with me at all times. I can call any of the following people for help or support if necessary. I can ask them to call the police if they see my abuser bothering me.
Friend: ____________________________________________
Relative: ___________________________________________
Co-worker: _________________________________________
Counselor: _________________________________________
Shelter: ____________________________________________
Other: _____________________________________________
• When leaving work I can ________________________________________________
• When walking, riding or driving home, if problems occur, I can:
____________________________________________________________________
• I can attend a support group for women who have been abused. Support groups are held: ____________________________ at ___________________________________
• Telephone numbers I need to know:
Police/sheriff's department: __________________________________
Probation officer: __________________________________________
Domestic violence/sexual assault program:_______________________
Counselor: ________________________________________________
Clergy: ______________________________________________
Attorney: __________________________________________________
Other: ____________________________________________________
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