Safety During a Violent Incident
People cannot always avoid violent incidents. Only the abuser can stop the abuse from happening. In order to increase your safety, you can use a variety of strategies.
During a violent incident, you can use some or all of the following strategies:
- If you decide to leave, you can practice how to get out safely. Identify doors, windows, elevators, stairwells or fire escapes you could use.
- Keep your wallet and car keys accessible and put them in a designated safe place in order to leave quickly.
- Locate a safe person such as a neighbor you can tell about the violence and ask them to call the police if they hear suspicious noises coming from your home. Ask multiple people if possible.
- Teach your children how to use the telephone to contact the police and the fire department.
- Create a code word with your children and/or friends so they will know when to call for help.
- If you have to leave the house, decide where you will go. (Decide this even if you do not think there will be a next time.)
- If you cannot go to the location above, have at least two additional alternative locations.
- Teach some of these strategies to some/all of your children.
- When you expect that there may be an argument, try to move to a space that is low risk and away from weapons. Try to avoid arguments in the bathroom, garage, kitchen, or in rooms without access to an outside door.
- Trust your judgment and intuition. If the situation is very serious, give your partner what they want to calm them down. Try to protect yourself until both you and your children are out of danger.
For an individualized safety plan, contact your local domestic violence program:
Arlington: Doorways Domestic Violence Program 24- Hour Hotline: 703-237-0881
For local, state, and national resources contact:
National Domestic Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
