Safe Exit Plan

If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, your safety and well-being are the top priorities. Here’s a detailed Safe Exit Plan to help you prepare and leave an abusive situation safely.

1. Recognize the Signs of Danger

  • Be alert to escalating behaviors such as threats, physical violence, or increased control.

  • Trust your instincts if you feel unsafe.

2. Identify Safe Spaces

  • Find places where you can go to stay safe during conflicts, such as a trusted friend’s house, a shelter, or a public place like a library or police station.

  • Avoid locations where the abuser can easily find you.

3. Establish a Code Word

  • Pick a code word or phrase that signals you’re in danger. Share it only with trusted people who can take action, such as calling for help or picking you up.

4. Pack an Emergency Bag

Prepare an emergency bag that’s easy to grab in a hurry. Include:

  • Cash, bank cards, and checkbooks.

  • Identification (driver’s license, passport).

  • Birth certificates and Social Security cards for you and your children.

  • Medical records, prescriptions, and medications.

  • Clothes, toiletries, and personal items for a few days.

  • Keys (car, home, and work).

  • Contact numbers written on paper in case your phone is lost or taken.

Store this bag in a secure, easily accessible place, possibly at a friend’s house or workplace.

5. Plan Your Escape Routes

  • Sketch out multiple routes to leave your home quickly.

  • Practice these routes when the abuser is not around.

  • Keep your car fueled and parked in a way that allows for a quick exit.

  • If you rely on transportation services, know their operating hours and plan ahead.

6. Secure Important Documents

If possible, gather and safely store originals or copies of:

  • IDs, passports, and Social Security cards.

  • Marriage license or protective orders.

  • Immigration documents.

  • Insurance cards or records.

7. Build a Support Network

  • Identify trusted people such as friends, family, or coworkers who can help.

  • Share your plan with them so they know how to respond if needed.

  • Keep their phone numbers accessible.

8. Seek Professional Help

  • Contact domestic violence hotlines, local shelters, or specialized organizations for guidance and support.

  • Many shelters provide counseling, legal aid, and safe accommodation.

  • The National Domestic Violence Hotline [1-800-799-SAFE (7233)] is available 24/7 in the U.S.

9. Use Technology Safely

  • Avoid using shared devices or accounts that your abuser could monitor.

  • Regularly clear your browser history.

  • Change passwords for email and social media accounts.

  • Consider turning off location tracking on your phone.