Remember that leaving is dangerous time and many abusers will escalate their violent behaviors to keep control over you. Here are some steps you can take to help you stay safe.
- Pack a bag with things you'll need to take with you: Identification, driver's license, car registration and title, birth certificates for you and your children, money, bank books, keys, medications, social security cards, address book, clothes.
- Take steps to increase your independence -- open a bank account in your name and rent a post office box so you can receive mail.
- Leave money, an extra set of keys, copies of important documents, and extra clothes with someone you trust, so you can leave quickly.
- Talk with family, friends, police, or staff at community agencies who you can count on for support.
- Keep the Family Violence Project helpline number (1.87.-890.7788) nearby
- Memorize the phone number for your local police department. Often 911 calls from a cell phone go to a dispatch out of your area, and response time may be longer.
- Immediately tell police or 911 dispatch your location – before you give any other information -- so they can find you if your call gets interrupted.
- Develop resources and find information about how the legal system can help protect you and about the Maine family court system in Maine.
- Contact the Family Violence Project helpline number 1.877.89.7788 for help as yout think about what might work best in your situation.
- Look over My Personal Safety Plan for ideas about how make sure you and your children are safe.