Here at Shelterhouse we know how scary living in an abusive relationship can be, and we ' re here to help you create a safety plan to keep yourself, your children, and your pets safe from potentially dangerous situations.
Everyone's safety plan looks different depending on your lifestyle, your needs, and your relationship, but a trained and compassionate advocate can help you customize a plan to keep you safe and secure.
Alllegaldocuments(birthcertificates,driver's license,socialsecuritycards,etc)
Healthinsurancecardandanygovernment benefitscards
Marriagelicense,divorcepapers,custodypapers (ifapplicable)
Children'sschoolrecordsanddocuments(if applicable)
Leaseagreement,mortgage,orhousedeed
Cartitle,registration,andinsurancedocuments
Anyapplicableimmigrationdocuments(green card,proofofresidency,etc)
You know best if, or when, it's time to leave.
But it's always best to be prepared in advance.
Stashawaya"GoBag"incase youhavetoescapeina moment'snotice.
Think of other places you could stay where an abuser would not be able to find you (family, friends, hotels, shelters, etc.)
Consider changing your phone number or using a different phone that your abuser is unable to access
Memorize another safe phone number in case you need to call/text someone and don't have access to your contacts
If you are considering taking legal action or filing for a protection order, collect any documentation of the abuse (medical records, police reports, screenshots, photos, videos, or your own written detailed records of your experiences)
Eachrelationshipandsituationisunique.Afterleavinganabusiverelationship, youhaveseveraloptionsforkeepingyourselfandyourfamilysafe.
All the choices are yours.
Consider obtaining a Personal Protection Order (PPO) against your abuser
Notify your employer and, if applicable, your children's school of your situation in case your abuser comes looking for you
Create a plan of action for if your abuser tries to reach out to you (a Shelterhouse advocate is able to help you develop this as well)
Consider taking a break from social media to limit opportunities for your abuser to track or harass you
Immediately stop sharing your location with your abuser or anyone they may be in contact with, including on Snapchat
24/7 crisis hotline
counseling
Midland Office: 989-835-6771
Gladwin Office: 989-426-9413 www.shelterhousemidland.org
