Center for Hope & Safety
Plan For Safety, Identify Support and Survival Needs
Identifying Support
Many abusers isolate their victims geographically and socially. As a result, many victims have lost their support system. Developing a support network can be very helpful when planning for your safety. There are many people and places to turn to for help. Some are listed below:
- Friends
- Domestic and sexual violence hotline
- Family
- Women’s support groups
- Faith communities
- Counselors
- Others
Think about the following questions when asking for support:
How have these people helped me in the past?
How might they help me now?
Survival Needs
Do you have:
A place to live or a safe place to go?
We have a safe shelter
Money or a way to get money?
You may be eligible for an emergency grant from Department of Human Services Self-Sufficiency Program
Transportation or a way to leave?
We can transport you from a public place to the shelter and we have bus tickets available for our shelter residents
Food or a way to get food?
You may be eligible for emergency food stamps from Department of Human Services and we have a list of places to get a food box
If needed, safe and reliable child care?
You may be eligible for emergency child care through Community Action Agency
What to take if you leave
If you have time, you may want to take the following items:
- Identification: Driver’s license, social security cards for you and your children, work permit, green card, passport
- Money: checkbooks, credit/debit cards
- House and car keys
- Medications
- Address book
- Change of clothes
The following papers are easily replaceable:
- Birth certificate (at the county courthouse)
- Restraining order, stalking order, divorce papers, custody order (also at the county courthouse)
- Insurance papers (at your agent’s office)
- Lease (at your landlord’s office)
- Medical records (at your doctor’s office)
Remember, it is okay if you forget something you need. Your support system may be able to help you replace things you need. You can also call the hotline to find out how to get certain items.
24-hour hotline 503-399-7722
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