Domestic Violence: Checklist of Things to Take When You Leave
Overview
If you want to save this information but don't think it is safe to take it home, see if a trusted friend can keep it for you. Plan ahead. Know who you can call for help, and memorize the phone number. Be careful online too. Your online activity may be seen by others. Do not use your personal computer or device to read about this topic. Use a safe computer, such as one at work, a friend's home, or a library.
Here are some helpful items to get together when you are planning on leaving an abusive situation. Keep these items with someone you trust until you are ready to leave or in case you need to leave suddenly. If you have children, take them. And take your pets, too, if possible.
Checklist for preparing to leave an abusive situation
Things to take
Examples
Identification for yourself and your children
Birth certificates
Social Security cards (or numbers written on paper if you can't find the cards)
Driver's license
Photo identification or passport
Welfare identification
Green card
Important personal papers
Marriage certificate
Divorce papers
Custody orders
Legal protection or restraining orders
Health insurance papers and medical cards
Medical records for all family members
Children's school records
Investment papers/records and account numbers
Work permits
Immigration papers
Rental agreement/lease or deed to your home
Car title, registration, and insurance information
Records of police reports you have filed, or other evidence of abuse
Funds
Cash
Credit cards
ATM card
Checkbook and bankbook (with deposit slips)
Keys
Home
Car
Safety deposit box or post office box
A way to communicate
Contact information for friends or relatives
Cell phone
Personal laptop computer
Medicines
At least 1 month's supply for all medicines you and your children are taking, as well as a copy of the prescriptions
A way to get by
Jewelry or small objects you can sell, if you run out of money or stop having access to your accounts
Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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