You are more valuable than any possession. Things can be replaced, but you, you are irreplaceable.
When you leave, your safety (and your children's safety comes before anything else. Possessions, paperwork, and valuables can all be replaced. What cannot be replaced is your life, your health, and your peace of mind. Choosing safety over belonging does not mean you are losing everything; it means you are preserving what matters, the chance to rebuild, heal, and create a future for yourself and your loved ones.
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Preparing Mentally & Emotionally
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What To Take With You
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Planning Your Escape Route
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Safety During the Leaving Process
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Digital Safety
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After Leaving
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Support & Healing
Preparing Mentally & Emotionally
What To Take With You
Planning Your Escape Route
Safety During the Leaving Process
Digital Safety
Planning Your Escape Route
After Leaving
Support & Healing
Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe, that is enough to form a plan.
Confide in someone you trust. A family member, friend, counselor, or advocate who can support you.
Driver's license, passport, and birth certificates.
Money, debit/credit cards, keys, medications, prescriptions, and any legal and financial documents.
Know where all the doors and windows are located.
Decide on two places you can go. A shelter, a friend's or family member's house, or a public place and know you local domestic violence shelter and hotline numbers.
Leave when the abuser is not home, asleep, or distracted if possible.
Take your (children, if applicable). Call 911 if you are in immediate danger and arrange transportation beforehand.
Turn off location sharing in apps and on phones to avoid being monitored or tracked. Use a safe device (not monitored by your abuser).
Change your passwords for all bank, email, social media, and health-related portals.
Know where all the doors and windows are located.
Decide on two places you can go. A shelter, a friend's or family member's house, or a public place and know local domestic violence shelter and hotline numbers.
Take care of your basic needs. Shelter, food, and clothing. Find resources on our "Resource" page. Contact a local shelter or call the 24- hour domestic vilence hotline to access local resources such as shelter, food, clothing, daycare, transportation and more.
Let yourself feel - It is normal to have conflicting emotions. Relief, fear, sadness, anger, guilt, safe, or scared. Your feelings are valid.
Seek professional support like, trauma-focused counseling or therapy can help you process and begin to heal emotionally.
Focus on stability such as working toward financial independance, safe housing, and routines that bring comfort and security. Surround yourself with safe and supportive people.
Celebrate small victories. Recognize your progress no matter how small. Those small accomplishments are proof of your strength and resilience.