How do I get out of this situation?
Goal
To make a plan to get to a safe environment and leave the relationship.
The most important thing to remember in a relationship involving domestic abuse is to survive. As long as you and your children (if you have any) survive, you have done well.
Once you decide to leave, you will need to have a few essentials with you, so you don’t have to come back. Pack a bag that has your essential documents, as well as a change of clothes for yourself and children.
Have a friend or co-worker who can be your check in partner. Tell them when you leave, and ask them to call the police if they have not heard from you by a certain time.
After you leave, go to your local police station and file for a restraining order. You may also be able to get a police escort to go back to your home with you so you can pick up any remaining essential or irreplaceable things you need.
You should also have a plan on where to stay-try not to pay for a room with a credit card, as those can be tracked.
Essential Documents
Birth certificates
Social security card
Passports
Permanent residency card
Driver’s license
Proof of insurance: motor vehicle and medical
Certificates, Proof of Income, All Types of Accounts
Copy of marriage certificate
Copy of most recent (2 years) W-2’s for all employed adults in the home
Bank account information, numbers and copy of a statement w/names
List of all credit cards, numbers, security code, name on card, copy of statement w/name
Utility account numbers and copy of a statement w/names
Copy of deed for home
Copy of vehicle titles, or car registration
List of inventory of everything in the home with model numbers and pictures if possible
Copy of will
Copy of all insurance policy’s and/or statement
Copy of insurance cards
Most recent family photos — update these often
Write out your escape plan here. Include the documents you will bring, the other essential items you will need, who you will call, and places you will consider staying. Take this with you when you leave.
Resources
You can check the following sites for more information about resources available in your area.
For resources in the US, UK, and Canada: http://www.thehotline.org/
For American survivors living outside the US: http://www.866uswomen.org
For international Domestic Violence agencies: http://www.hotpeachpages.net/a/countries.html
