The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

Suggestions for Increasing Safety - When the Relationship is Over

I can change the locks; install steel/metal doors, a security system, additional smoke detectors and an outside lighting system.

I can change my phone number to an unlisted number.

I will inform ____________ and ____________that my partner no longer lives with me and ask them to call the police if s/he is observed near my home or my children.

I will tell people who take care of my children the names of those who have permission to pick them up. The people who have permission are: ____________, ____________ and ____________.

I can tell ____________at work about my situation and ask ____________to screen my calls.

I can avoid stores, banks, and ____________that I used when living with my battering partner.

I can obtain a protective order from ____________. I can keep it on or near me at all times as well as leave a copy with ____________ and ____________.

If I feel down and ready to return to a potentially abusive situation, I can call ____________ for support or attend workshops and support groups to gain support and strengthen my relationships with other people.