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Domestic Violence Safety Plan
Has your partner/family member ever….
- Call you names, criticize you or put you down?
- Control what you do and whom you see?
- Threaten to hurt you or others?
- Make you feel afraid?
- Threaten to or use weapons or objects against you?
- Hit, kick, shove or injure you?
- Force or coerce you to engage in unwanted acts, including sexual acts?
If you are leaving an abusive relationship and have or are getting an Order of Protection or an injunction Prohibiting Harassment due to domestic violence, this sheet will give you some options and suggestions to help maintain your safety.
The Facts
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be in an abusive relationship. Now may be the time to think about ways to make yourself safer.
When someone with whom you have an intimate relationship uses physical violence, threats, emotional abuse, harassment or stalking to control your behavior, they are committing domestic violence.
- Each year one million women suffer nonfatal violence by an intimate partner.
- It is estimated that within a 12-month period, four million adult women in America experience a serious assault by an intimate partner.
- Almost one out of three adult women experience at least one physical assault by a partner during their adult life.
- Violence against women occurs in 20% of dating couples.
- It is estimated that 3.3 million children are exposed to domestic violence each year.
For additional assistance concerning your safety, call Renew at (970) 565-2100 to discuss and develop a safety plan. In the meantime, these tips may help you.
During a Violent Outburst
If you are in an argument….
- Leave/stay away from the kitchen or other rooms with weapons.
- Stay out of rooms without exits, like the bathroom or a closet.
- If possible get to a room with an exit and/or phone.
- Develop a code word or signal for friends, children and neighbors to call the police.
- Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
- Teach your children to call 9-1-1.
- Use your instincts
For added safety, you can program 9-1-1 into the auto-dial on your phone.
Have a Protection Order
If you have a protective order…
- Always keep at least one copy with you at all times.
- If your abuser violated the order call 9-1-1 (you have the right to ask that a police report be filed).
- Give a copy of the order and a picture of the defendant to security at your job/school.
- If the children are included on the order, give a copy of the order to their school, daycare or babysitter
If You Plan To Leave
If you think you may want to leave, a careful plan is needed to insure safety. Do not let your abuser know of your plans; act as if things are unchanged.
It is important to organize identification cards, money, keys and any needed legal documents so they are available should you leave in a hurry. The following are suggested items to keep together in case you leave.
- Drivers License/Picture ID
- Social Security Cards/Numbers
- Welfare Identification
- Keys
- Immunization Records
- Birth Certificates
- Health Benefit Cards
- Address Book
- Money/Credit Cards/Checkbook
- Children’s favorite toy/blanket
Pack a bag with money, keys and clothing and leave it at someone’s house. Know the fastest exit from your home. Know the closest phone to call for help.
If You Leave
Leaving an abusive relationship is a very difficult step, one of courage and strength. This step can also be dangerous if you do not plan in advance to maintain safety.
The following are suggested actions you can take in order to maintain safety once you have left an abusive relationship.
- You can obtain a protective order for yourself personally.
- Your boss can obtain a protective order for the workplace.
- Tell friends, neighbors, daycare/babysitter and coworkers that you are no longer with your abuser so they can screen your calls or call the police if your abuser shows up.
- Provide your daycare/babysitter with a list of people who have permission to pick up your child.
- Change the locks on your doors and install a security system.
- Avoid social places or stores that you frequented while with your abuser.
Most important, if you are feeling down, upset, confused or are considering returning to the abusive relationship, call Renew or the hotline number. They can help you talk about your feelings and safe options should you return.
Resources
Non-Emergency Police Number:
Cortez Police Department (970) 565-8441
Victim Response Coordinator: (970) 564-4028
Renew/Wings Safehouse: (970) 565-4886
The National Domestic Violence Hotline (24 Hour)
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or
1-800-787-3224 (TDD)
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Martha Robinson
Victim Response CoordinatorPhone: 970-564-4028
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Victim Response Unit
Physical Address
608 N Park Street
Cortez, CO 81321
Phone: 970-564-4028
Renew: 970-565-4886
Wings Safehouse: 970-565-9116
Four Corners Child Advocacy Center: 970-565-8155
Victim/Witness 22nd Judicial District: 970-565-1147
Southwest Memorial Hospital: 970-565-6666