Domestic Violence Safety Planning

Abuse can look different in any relationship, but there are certain steps you can take to protect yourself and your children from future violent situations.

• Get a new phone or phone number.
• Change passwords to email and social media.
• Remove yourself from joint bank accounts and create a bank account that your abuser does not have access to.
• Make copies of the house and car keys.
• Find a support group or counselor.

If Your Abuser Knows Where You Live

Cell Phone/Emergency Contacts - Ensure you have access to a fully charged phone or a phone with a charger, with emergency contact information entered.

"Go Bag" - Pack clothing, toiletries, medicine, important documents, and non-perishable food in a "go bag" that you can access quickly. You may want to keep this bag at a separate, trusted location such as work or a friend's home.

Protective Order - Apply for a Restraining Order with the Magistrate’s Court or an Order of Protection with the Family Court. Always keep it with you and provide copies of it to people who can provide barriers in your life.

Other Precautions - Notify your neighbors and/or landlord of the situation and show them a photo of your abuser. Ask that they contact law enforcement if they see them attempting to come to your home. Work with your landlord to improve the general safety of your living environment.

If You Leave

Your safety and your children's safety is MOST IMPORTANT. If you are able, without jeopardizing your safety, consider taking the following with you:

• Money and credit cards
• Birth certificates and driver's license
• Social Security and benefit cards
• School and medical records
• Bank statements and unpaid bills
• Insurance papers and car registration
• Special toys for your children

If You Move to a New Location

Safe Mailing Address - Maintain confidentiality of your new address. Make sure you update important contact information with a safe mailing address and a safe phone number where voicemails may be stored. You can typically enter "*PROTECTED*" in place of an address on court documents as well.

If you do not have friends or family who can provide you with a safe mailing address, local churches, and other organizations may be willing to provide you with one for these purposes. You may also consider getting a P.O. Box.

Tracking Devices - Check your phone or restore it to factory settings to avoid GPS tracking apps. Check your vehicle for any clear tracking devices.

If You Need to Find a Shelter

List of local shelters by county: https://dss.sc.gov/adult-protection/domestic-violence-program

National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233; https://www.thehotline.org)

Shelters are safe and confidential and can frequently provide other services such as counseling and limited legal assistance.

• There are often restrictions on bed availability and children, as well as behavior and services participation requirements.
• Shelters are only temporary and not intended for long-term stays but can be very helpful in the immediate stages of exiting an abusive relationship.

If You Reconcile or Must Stay with Your Abuser

Avoid dangerous rooms together, such as the kitchen, where weapons are readily available, and try to stay between an exit and your abuser.

Seek counseling individually and as a couple, if possible. If your abuser gets physically violent with you, try to get proof of the incident. You may get proof by having a witness present, reporting the incident to the police, receiving medical treatment for any injuries, and taking photos or recordings of the incident.