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Serving Bristol, TN/VA, Washington County, VA and Upper Sullivan County, TN

What is safety planning?
If someone you love or once loved has abused or threatened you, there is a good chance it may happen again. It may even get worse. You can’t tell when that person will try to threaten or abuse you.

But you can think ahead about how to reduce the risks for you, your children or others in your care. This is called safety planning.

You may feel that your Partner will never be abusive to you again. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you DO NOT let this stop you from developing A SAFE PLAN. Nothing will be lost by having thought it through and it might mean safety for you and your children.

What if you have kids?
To increase safety for your children, elderly parents, or others you care for:
Tell them not to get in the middle of a fight.
Talk to them about when to call for help, who to call, and what to say.
Give copies of any court orders to schools or other care providers. This might help the orders stay enforced.
Teach your children how to use the phone to call the police and give their address.

Making a Safety Plan
Be sure you have a Plan - and another back-up plan in case the first one doesn’t work. Your safety and the safety of those you care for should be your first priority.
Call 911, if you are in immediate physical danger
Leave and go to a safe place
Arrange a signal with a neighbor when you need help
Plan to take with you - your children, extra house key, social security card, driver's license, school records, birth/marriage/divorce certificates, money, checkbook, credit cards, clothing, favorite toys, medication, immunization & medical records
If you want to press charges, go to the local Magistrates Office or Court Clerks Office
Save all evidence of beating - such as medical/dental reports, torn clothing, etc.
Go to a hospital emergency room or your own doctor for medical treatment
Have color pictures taken of all injuries
Call 423-764-abuse (2287) (collect if necessary)

Remember... You are not alone.

Contact us anytime at 1-423-764-ABUSE (2287) or 1-800-987-6499. These numbers include linkage to language-line interpreting services for non-English speaking callers. TTY: 423-652-9750.