SAFETY PLAN

IF YOU FEEL YOU ARE IN DANGER, CALL: 911

RESOURCES:

24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotlines & Shelters

New Castle County 
302-762-6110

Northern Kent 
302-678-3886

Kent & Sussex 
302-422-8058

Latino/Population 
302-745-9874 or 302-745-9873

CONTACT Delaware, Rape Crisis
1-800-262-9800 or 302-761-9100

Victim Advocacy Programs:

New Castle County 
302-255-0420

Kent County 
302-672-1075

Sussex County 
302-856-5843

Information and Referrals:

Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence 
800-701-0456
302-658-2958

Domestic Violence Coordinating Council 
302-255-0405

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Personalized Safety Plan
Prepared by The Domestic Violence Coordinating Council 302-255-0405.

Helping to protect your safety and the safety of your children

Click Here to Download the Complete Safety Plan Brochure
PDF Format, File Size: 248KB

Documents are posted in the Adobe Acrobat Format (PDF). PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader to be installed on your computer to properly view and print. Follow this link if you need to obtain the free Acrobat Reader.

Click Here to Download the Complete Spanish Safety Plan Brochure

Documents are posted in the Adobe Acrobat Format (PDF). PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader to be installed on your computer to properly view and print. Follow this link if you need to obtain the free Acrobat Reader.

Link to the Delaware Family Court Website for Information on 
Protection From Abuse Orders (Spanish and English)

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Things to consider to increase your safety and the safety of your children:

• Have important numbers accessible to you and your children (i.e. 911, family members, etc).
  

• Ask a neighbor to beware of suspicious activity in your home.
  

• Plan an escape route in case of an emergency and practice the plan with your children.
  

• Think in advance of where you may be able to go with your children in a hurry.
  

• Leave extra money, car keys, clothing, and copies of documents with someone you trust.
  

• Open a savings account.

Things to consider if you leave the relationship.

• Obtain a protective order and keep a copy with you at all times. Keep extra copies in your car, at school, work, and/or with someone you trust.
  Notify all childcare givers if your partner has been restricted from seeing the children.
  

• Change the locks and/or install additional security measures.
  

• Make sure all outside lights are working.
  

• Have your calls screened at work and use an answering machine to screen your calls at home.
  

• Avoid places where your partner knows you will be (grocery stores, banks, etc).
  

• When you feel down and ready to return to the relationship, call a support group, hotline, or someone you trust.

* It is important to review and update your safety plan often.

No one deserves to be abused...

• Domestic violence is not just violence leading to physical injuries. It is a pattern of abusive behavior used to gain control over another person that can include; threats, emotional, sexual or economic abuse; intimidation; deprivation; social isolation; or repeated battering and injury.
  

• Over time, the violence usually becomes more frequent and more severe. It does not go away without intervention.
  

• Children are devastated by domestic violence. They are hurt by seeing or hearing the violence and they are more likely to be the victims of violence if you are being abused.
  

  • Although you do not have control over your partner's violence, you do have a choice about how to respond to him/her and how to best get yourself and your children to safety.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE. 
THERE IS HELP AND SUPPORT AVAILABLE.


DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS A CRIME.

If you are being abused...

You are not alone. There are people who can understand the problems you are facing and support you.

You can talk with a friend, relative, anyone you trust and think will be supportive. Talking with someone can be the first step in getting the help that you need. Do not let anyone deny the violence you have experienced.

You can call the police, or have a doctor check your injuries. 

You may be able to obtain an Order of Protection from Abuse (PFA) from the court.

You can call a domestic violence hotline for assistance. See phone numbers below.

You can fill out this safety plan to help keep you and your children safe.

If you know someone who is being abused

Do not ignore it. Let them know privately that you are aware of the situation.

Be a good listener. 

Do not blame the victim or ask what they did to deserve it. Offer support and the space to express hurt, anger and fear.

If you can, offer transportation or childcare. 

Let them make their own decisions even if they choose to stay with the abuser. They must be the one to seek help. It often takes a long time for a person to decide to leave.

Let them know what resources are available. Give them a copy of this brochure and create a personal safety plan together.

Encourage them to call a Domestic Violence Hotline.

Checklist of items to have ready to take when fleeing an abusive relationship:

* BOLD TYPE INDICATES MOST IMPORTANT

• Photo identification

• Birth certificates

• Social Security cards

• School and medical records 

• Money, bank books, credit cards, food stamps

• Keys to home, car, office

• Driver's license and registration

• Prescription medications

• Medicare/health insurance cards

• Passports

• Green cards/documentation

• Work permits

• Address book

• Lease/rental agreement

• House deed

• Mortgage payment book

• Insurance papers

• Current unpaid bills

• Personal hygiene products

• Pictures

• Items of sentimental value

• Jewelry

• Children's diapers

• Formula

• Favorite toys and/or blankets