SAFETY PLAN
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, having a personalized safety plan can make a critical difference. Below are steps to help you stay safe and prepare for emergencies. Always prioritize your safety and use this information in a way that minimizes risk.
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Safety at HomeCreate a Safe Exit Plan: Know the safest routes out of your home. Avoid rooms with weapons (e.g., kitchen) or rooms where you could be trapped. Pack an Emergency Bag: Keep it hidden but accessible. Include: Cash, keys, and important documents (ID, passport, birth certificates, social security cards, and orders of protection) Medications, clothes, and any other essential items for you and your children. Set Boundaries: Practice ways to stay safe during arguments by staying near exits. Inform trustworthy neighbors about the situation and ask them to contact the police if they notice any signs of disturbance.
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Children's SafetyTeach Child(ren) How to Get Help: Show them how to dial 911 and explain when it's safe to do so. Instruct your child(ren) to use a special code word as a signal to call 911. Establish a Safe Meeting Point: Decide on a safe location where they can go in case of danger. Prepare an Emergency Plan: Rehearse what they should do during a violent situation. If children use social media, talk to them about being careful with information that is being posted. Identify a safe location where your children can go to hide during arguments that might escalate.
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StalkingChange your routines and continuously modify your safety plan. Inform your friends and family. Report suspicious activity to the police. Consider getting a restraining order. Keep a log of all stalking incidents which includes dates, location, time, witnesses, and type of incident.
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Technology SafetyClear Browsing History: Regularly clear your internet and phone search history. Secure Devices: Use passwords only you know and turn off location-sharing on apps. Communicate Safely: Use a safe phone or device when reaching out for help. Lock your cell phone with a passcode. Turn off your location services on your phone(s).
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Emotional HealthReach Out for Support: Connect with counselors or hotlines for emotional guidance. Document Incidents: Keep a written or photographic record of abuse (if safe to do so). Focus on Self-Care: Practice activities that promote calm and healing. Talk it out with someone when you are feeling sad, lonely, confused, or thinking of going back to your partner. Connect with a friend, relative, counselor, or DV hotline. Attend one of our support groups, or reach out to another community agency that directly addresses your needs. Focus on self-care activities that promote calmness and healing such as exercise, walking, or reading.
Quick Escape Button
For your safety, this website has a "Quick Escape" button at the top of each page. Click it to leave this site immediately and be redirected to a neutral site like a search engine.
WHAT IS
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
Domestic Violence is a pattern of abusive behavior used by one person in a relationship to gain or maintain power and control over another person through fear and intimidation. It can occur in intimate partnerships, and or family. Domestic Violence does not discriminate based on socioeconomic background, age, gender, race, or any other factor.
types of abuse
Domestic violence can take many forms, including:
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physical Abuse
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The use of physical force that can cause injury or bodily harm.
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Examples: Hitting, punching, slapping, choking, using weapons, or restraining the victim.
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Emotional or psychological abuse
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Involves actions that harm the victim's self-worth or emotional well-being.
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Examples: Insults, threats, intimidation, manipulation, isolation from friends and family, and gaslighting.
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verbal Abuse
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Includes using words to demean, belittle, or control the victim.
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Examples: Name-calling, yelling, constant criticism, and humiliating remarks.
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Sexual Abuse
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Any sexual act forced upon someone without their consent.
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Examples: Rape, coerced sexual acts, or making someone engage in sexual activities against their will.​
​​Financial or Economic Abuse
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Involves controlling or restricting the victim's financial resources to maintain control and power.
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Examples: Preventing the victim from working, controlling bank accounts, withholding money, or sabotaging employment opportunities.
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Digital Abuse
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Use of technology to harass, stalk, or intimidate the victim.
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Examples: Sending threatening messages, monitoring social media, or using GPS to track the victim's location.
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Cultural or Spiritual Abuse
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Involves using the victim's cultural or religious beliefs to manipulate, control, or harm them.
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Examples: Restricting religious practices, shunning from the church or community, mocking cultural traditions, using religious scriptures to control and manipulate, or forcing adherence to specific cultural or religious norms.
AM I BEING ABUSED?
TAKE THE QUIZ
1. Does your partner frequently criticize or belittle you?
• Yes
• No
• Sometimes
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2. Do you feel afraid of your partner’s reactions to things you say or do?
• Yes
• No
• Occasionally
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3. Has your partner ever physically hurt you (e.g., hitting, slapping, pushing)?
• Yes
• No
• Once or twice
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4. Does your partner control your access to money or other financial resources?
• Yes
• No
• Sometimes
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5. Does your partner isolate you from friends, family, or other support networks?
• Yes
• No
• Occasionally
6. Do you feel responsible for your partner’s feelings and behavior?
• Yes
• No
• Sometimes
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7. Has your partner ever threatened you or made you feel unsafe?
• Yes
• No
• Once or twice
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8. Do you feel like you are walking on eggshells around your partner?
• Yes
• No
• Occasionally
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9. Does your partner monitor your activities or communications (e.g., phone, email, social media)?
• Yes
• No
• Sometimes
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10. Do you feel that your self-worth has diminished since being in this relationship?
• Yes
• No
• Somewhat
Quiz Evaluation:
• Mostly “Yes”: Your responses suggest that you may be in an abusive relationship. We encourage you to reach out to us for support and guidance. Our team is here to help you navigate your situation safely and confidentially.
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• Mostly “No”: While your relationship may not show signs of abuse, it’s always good to stay informed. If you ever feel unsure or need someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to contact us for support.
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• Mixed Responses: Some aspects of your relationship may be concerning. We recommend connecting with our organization to discuss your experiences in a safe and supportive environment. We are here to help you understand your options and provide the assistance you need.