• If there is an argument, try to be in a place that has an exit and not in a bathroom, kitchen, or room that may contain weapons.
• Practice getting out of your home safely. Identify which doors, windows, elevator, or stairwell to use.
• Identify one or more neighbors you can tell about the violence and ask them to call the police if they hear a disturbance coming from your home.
• Devise a code to use with your children, family, friends, and neighbors when you need the police.
• Decide and plan where you will go if you ever have to leave home.
• Use your instincts and judgement (your 'gut' feeling). In a dangerous situation, placate the abuser if possible, to keep him or her calm.

• Open a checking account or savings account in your own name.
• Leave money, an extra set of keys, copies of important documents, and extra clothes and medicines in a safe place or with someone you trust IF IT IS SAFE FOR YOU TO DO SO. Do not do this if you think your batterer might find out and retaliate against you.
• Get your own post office box.
• Find a safe place where you and your children can go or a person who can lend you money.
• Always keep the shelter phone number and some change or a calling card on you for emergency phone calls.
• If you have pets, make arrangements for them to be cared for in a safe place. The Safe Haven may be able to help with these arrangements.

• If you or your children have been threatened or assaulted, you can request a protective order from the District Attorney at (817) 884-1623
• Always keep your protective order with you.
• Call the police if your partner violates the protective order.
• Inform family members, friends, and neighbors that you have a protective order in effect.
• Think of alternative ways to keep safe if the police do not respond immediately.

• If you stay in your home, lock your windows and change locks on your doors.
• Develop a safety plan with your children for when you are not with them.
• Inform your child's school, day care, etc., about who has permission to pick up your child.
• Inform your neighbors and the landlord that your partner no longer lives with you, and that they should call the police if they see him/her near your home.
• Never call the abuser from your home; he/she may find out where you live. Never tell the abuser where you live.
• Request an unlisted/unpublished number from the telephone company.

• Decide who at work you will inform of your situation. Include the office building security (if possible, provide them with a picture of your batterer).
• When at work, if possible, have someone screen your telephone calls.
• Have someone escort you to and from your car, bus, or train.
• If at all possible, use a variety of routes to come and go from home.

If you need assistance with developing a safety plan, contact Victim Assistance or Safe Haven