Creating A Divorce Safety Plan In Case Of Domestic Abuse

By Gerald A. Maggio, Esq.

Domestic violence Orange CountyIf you are in danger, call “911” immediately. You are solely responsible for keeping yourself and also your children away from any harm due to domestic violence. You must prepare a safety plan. A safety plan is a scheme which you can execute to keep yourself and your children safe from any kind of domestic violence. It is possible to ask for help to craft a safety plan. Assistance is generally provided free or you will be charged a nominal amount. Multiple language help is available. For more information, contact California Partnership to End Domestic Violence and National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Before an attack and after it

Try to escape when an attack is about to start. In case you are afraid of being mortally harmed, take your children and leave home. Do this even at deep night. Take shelter in a domestic violence center or in the house of a relative or a friend. If you cannot escape, defend yourself. Take photos of all injuries.

Do not hesitate to call for help. Scream loudly and long. There is nothing to feel embarrassed about. The abuser should feel ashamed for abusive behavior. Be close to any door or any practical sized window so that you can exit the house when you want. Stay away from weapons, kitchen and bathroom. If possible, practice your escape route. Know the stairs, elevators, doors and windows through which you can run away. Keep a bag packed at all times. Hide at a place where you can access it swiftly.

Do identify neighbors you can turn for help. Request them to call police when they hear domestic violence being carried out in your home. It is sensible to have “code words” which you can use with your neighbors, children, friends and family. Hearing the code word, they will call police. You should know the destination if you escape from your abusive partner. Trust your instincts and do anything to survive.

Living alone

Change door locks as fast as you can. Put the locks on all doors and windows. You can request your local cell phone provider to give you an unlisted number. Teach your children to be safe during those times when you are unavailable for them. Make sure that your child’s daycare provider or school knows who to allow to pick up your children.

To learn more about the divorce process in California and how mediation can help, please visit our page, What is Divorce Mediation