Domestic Violence and Personal Safety
Domestic Violence – What can I do at home to increase my personal safety?
Getting the person who is abusing you out of your home is only the first step in a difficult and emotional process. When I go to court and help clients obtain final restraining orders, they are often faced with the problem of increased hostility and need direction in how to make their homes safe. There are some things that you can do to help make your home safe for you and your children. The Violence Prevention Fund has offered this list of safety tips:
1. The first thing you should always do is to change the locks on your doors and any windows. It is also important to keep the house locked even when you are at home.
2. If you can afford to do so, install a security system.
3. Make sure you always have your car doors locked, even if the car is in your driveway or garage.
4. Talk to your children and make sure they know how to call family members, friends or 911 if the abuser returns to the home.
5. It is also a good idea to establish a code word that friends and family know is a call for help. It is very important to keep as many supportive people around you as possible. Friends and family can be invaluable resources.
6. If you do have children, make sure you talk to their caregivers, either their school or day care to give them a list of who has permission to pick them up.
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