Below are safety considerations if you are in fear of your partner, or if acts of abuse have occurred in the past.

Think About:

• • What has worked to keep you safe in the past?
  • What concerns you the most about your safety (and your child(ren))?
  • If you must leave your home, do you have someone you can stay with? If yes, who?

Take Action:

• • Keep keys and your purse/wallet close to the door you frequently exit from.
  • Keep your cell phone charged.
  • Apply for a protective order if abuse has occurred in the past and is likely to occur again.
  • Make copies of important documents such as protective orders and custody orders and keep them in a safe place.
  • Share copies of protection orders with employers, schools, etc.
  • Back your vehicle into the driveway when parking and keep the gas tank full.
  • Talk to a trusted neighbor and make them aware of the abuse (and protective order if applicable); ask them to call 911 if violence occurs.
  • Talk to your employer about the abuse and any legal orders in place they should be aware of.
  • If you believe your partner is accessing your computer, locate a computer they do not have access to for privacy.
  • Utilize private browsing options on both your computer and mobile devices to hide search history.
  • If safe, put away extra income (no matter how small) in a private or hiding place.
  • Protect your Social Security Number, and that of your child’s, by freezing your credit, to prevent misuse and checking your, and your child’s, credit report regularly.

Your safety is top priority during acts of abuse. Below are considerations if abuse erupts.

• • Call or text 911 if it is safe to do so.
  • Move away from weapons or sharp items.
  • Trust your instincts and judgment to protect yourself (and your children) until everyone is safe.
  • Call the police if your partner violates a protection order.
  • Gather important documents and medications, only if you can leave safely and time permits.

Leaving a violent and abusive situation does not always equate to safety. If you have successfully left, consider the following to remain as safe as possible. Remember you can always reach out to one of our advocates for a personalized safety plan:

• • Seek medical attention if physical and/or sexual violence occurred. For example, certain medicines to prevent HIV infection are only effective for 72 hours (3 days).
  • Reach out to a friend or loved one for emotional support and/or if you have the urge to return to a potentially dangerous situation.
  • Apply for a protective order if abuse has occurred in the past and is likely to occur again.
  • Protect your address by utilizing a P.O. Box and the Texas Address Confidentiality Program.
  • Keep your information private by not sharing your full name, phone number, and address with retailers when creating accounts.
  • Document all incidents of violence, abuse, and stalking.
  • Collect evidence when possible (i.e., photos of physical abuse, screenshots, phone records, texts, and forensic exams).
  • Maintain clear documentation of funds spent if you have left a relationship, as you may be asked to account for the expenditures at a later date.
  • Open new financial accounts, including a checking account and credit cards only you sign on.
  • Change all your direct deposits and account Personal Identification Numbers (PINs).
  • Sign up for VINE to track the progress of your abuser if they have been arrested.
  • Keep your victim advocate updated on any changes to your contact information.

Protecting Your Technology:

• • Utilize lock screen passwords on your phone and computer to keep others from accessing your devices.
  • Cover built-in webcams when not in use to keep someone from accessing them.
  • Turn off location on mobile devices (including children’s) to prevent someone from tracking your location.
  • Look for tracking devices that may have been placed in your belongings or vehicle.
  • Set your electronic devices and account settings to “private” to prevent unauthorized usage.
  • Disable auto share and auto links (i.e., cloud, google…) on your cell phone and computers to increase privacy.
  • Change your password regularly.
  • Periodically search your name online to see if any identifying information appears.

Additional safety measures should be considered for children. Adjust the following to your child’s level of understanding.

• • Create a safe word or statement with your child(ren).
  • Teach your child(ren) where to go and/or who to call when you use the safe word or statement.
  • Practice an escape plan with your child(ren).
  • Hide extra clothes and necessities for your child(ren).
  • Pack a sentimental item for your child(ren) if you seek refuge.
  • Meet your abuser at a neutral and safe location (i.e., police station or fire station) during custody drop-offs and pick-ups.
  • Talk to your child’s school, daycare, and/or babysitters about any legal restrictions and safety matters concerning your child and the abuser.

If you find yourself needing to leave your home and it is safe for your to do so, consider packing the following:

• • Spare keys
  • Money
  • Phone numbers
  • Medications
  • Collected evidence (anything that shows you have been abused)
  • A sentimental item for your child(ren)
  • Documentation:

– Driver’s license
– Birth certificates
– Social security cards
– School records
– Marriage certificates
– Passport
– Medical records
– Court orders
– Wills
– Financial documentation

Current technology, including spyware, has increased abusers’ ability to harass and stalk their victims. Misuse and criminal actions can lead to the unwanted and unsafe discovery of your location, browser history, usage, etc., for example, the use of tracking devices. Below are electronic safety considerations. Adjust according to your level of safety from a potential abuser. For example, if you are currently residing with your abuser, be mindful of any changes that could cause alarm or lead to harm.

• • Set your electronic devices and account settings to “private” to prevent unauthorized usage.
  • Utilize lock screen passwords on your phone and computer to keep others from accessing your devices.
  • Cover built-in webcams when not in use to keep someone from accessing them.
  • Turn off location on mobile devices (including children’s) to prevent someone from tracking your location.
  • Check your phone settings regularly and be aware they can reset during regular updates without your knowledge.
  • Check your child’s phone and other electronic devices’ security settings regularly, especially if they traveled with or visited with your abuser.
  • Look for tracking devices that may have been placed in your and/or your child(ren)’s belongings or vehicle.
  • Disable auto share and auto links (i.e., cloud, google…) on your cell phone, tablet, and computers to increase privacy.
  • Change your passwords regularly on your electronic devices, accounts, and social media.
  • Periodically search your name online to see if any identifying information appears.
  • Keep your information private, avoid sharing your full name, phone numbers, and addresses with retailers and when creating accounts.
  • Obtain a new cell phone with a different phone number.
  • Look for hidden cameras if you suspect you are being watched and/or recorded.
  • Be cautious when posting pictures on social media that could identify your location.
  • Avoid tagging your location on social media.