Checklist

• Know the telephone number of your local domestic violence service provider. The statewide hotline number is 1-800-838-8238. You may also contact Avalon’s confidential Helpline 24 hours a day at (757)-258-5051.
• Have an escape plan. Have a safe place identified to go if you do need to leave. If you are being followed go to the closest Police Station.
• If you have a car, be sure to have an extra key made and hidden somewhere close to the car in the event you need to leave quickly. Hiding extra money in the car is also helpful.
• Pack an extra set of clothes and shoes for yourself and your children. Include things like diapers, toiletries, and medications. Store these things in a safe place or with a neighbor, friend or church member…someone you trust.
• Try to gather important documents that you might need later such as birth certificates and social security numbers and cards, marriage license, medical insurance information, family and friends information and school records. You can always photo copy these items in advance and store them in a safe place.
• Treat financial records like you would important documents. Take with you rent, mortgage and utility receipts, checking and savings account books, credit cards and copies of any important account numbers.
• If you have a neighbor you can trust and confide in, establish a signal for the need to call the police.