EXIT PLAN FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Before you take the courageous step to remove yourself from an abusive relationship, make sure you have a plan in place to ensure your safety.

Follow these steps to increase your chances of a safe exit:

• Make sure you know the phone number of organisations or shelters. Here is the link to various phone numbers and support agency all over Germany compiled by our support comittee for domestic violence

• Let the people close to you know your situation. Develop a code you can text if you’re in need or a signal Of there is trouble.

• If you become injured, go to the doctor and report it. Ask to have your visit documented. In Germany there are clinics that document domestic violence.

• Keep a journal of all abusive behaviors your partner displays. Also, hold onto any evidence of abuse (like pictures of wounds).

• If you have children, plan with them. Show them where they can go if there is trouble, and tell them that their #1 priority is to keep themselves safe, not you.

• Have an escape plan. Know where you will go and how you will get there. Keep your car fueled, backed into the driveway and the driver’s door unlocked so you can escape quickly. Also, hide an extra set of keys in a place that only you know about.

• Save money. Don’t keep it in an account that your partner can access. In  Germany you can ask that your letters be sent to a postbox. Here is the link on how to go about it.

• Keep a bag packed. Include extra keys, IDS, car papers, birth certificates, Social Security numbers, credit cards, marriage license, clothing, shoes, medication, banking information, money, and anything else that is important to you. Keep this bag with someone you trust. Try to avoid storing it at your next-door neighbor’s house, with close family, or mutual friends.

• Gather important phone numbers into one place to take with you. If you have time, you could also consider taking other important documents such as passports or visas, property paperwork, medical records, your kid’s school and immunization records, insurance information, and any valuables or precious keepsakes.

• Be aware of your abuser’s schedule and know when you will have safe times to leave.

• Be careful not to leave a trail. If you reached out for help over the internet, clear your browser history, delete emails, and clear your cache. If you called for help, dial another number directly after – this way your tracks are covered if your abuser hits redial.

AMD SUPPORT COMMITTEE FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE