Child Protection in Families Experiencing Domestic Violence

Author(s): Office on Child Abuse and Neglect., Caliber Associates. Bragg, H. Lien.

Year Published: 2003

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Appendix H
Safety Plans

Safety Plan—Victim
I, Jane Smith, can do the following to pursue safety prior to and during a violent incident: I can have my purse and car keys ready and place them in a closet near an exit door so that I can leave quickly. I can tell my neighbors about the violence and ask that they call the police if they hear yelling, screaming, or loud noises coming from my house. I can teach my children how to use the telephone to call 911 and provide our address and phone number. I will use "TIME" as the code word with my children, relatives, and friends so they can call for help. If I have to leave my home, I will go to the shelter for battered women or my friend's home. When I expect we are going to have an argument, I will try to move to a space that is lowest risk such as the foyer or back hall where the doors are located. I will tell my children to go to their room or to my neighbor's home. I will tell them NOT to intervene when we are arguing or if a violent incident occurs.

Safety Plan—Victim

I, Jane Smith, can do the following to pursue safety prior to and during a violent incident:

I can have my purse and car keys ready and place them in a closet near an exit door so that I can leave quickly.
I can tell my neighbors about the violence and ask that they call the police if they hear yelling, screaming, or loud noises coming from my house.
I can teach my children how to use the telephone to call 911 and provide our address and phone number.
I will use "TIME" as the code word with my children, relatives, and friends so they can call for help.
If I have to leave my home, I will go to the shelter for battered women or my friend's home.
When I expect we are going to have an argument, I will try to move to a space that is lowest risk such as the foyer or back hall where the doors are located.
I will tell my children to go to their room or to my neighbor's home. I will tell them NOT to intervene when we are arguing or if a violent incident occurs.

Safety Plan—Child
When my mom and I are not safe, I will not try to stop the fighting. I will go to my room or to my next-door neighbor's home. If I call the police for help, I will dial 911 and tell them: My name is Jack Smith. I need help. Send the police. Someone is hurting my mom. My address is 5011 Crooked Oak Lane. I will remember not to hang up until the police get there. A code word for "help" or "I'm scared" is ___________. I will practice this with my mom every night.

Safety Plan—Child

When my mom and I are not safe, I will not try to stop the fighting. I will go to my room or to my next-door neighbor's home.
If I call the police for help, I will dial 911 and tell them:
- My name is Jack Smith.
- I need help.
- Send the police.
- Someone is hurting my mom.
My address is 5011 Crooked Oak Lane. I will remember not to hang up until the police get there.
A code word for "help" or "I'm scared" is ___________.
I will practice this with my mom every night.

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