Staying Safe

Nobody deserves abuse! Abuse is illegal and a crime!

Protect yourself:

  • Talk to neighbors and friends about the violence. Tell your neighbors to call the police if they hear screaming or suspicious noises coming from your house.

  • Develop a code word that you can use to let your friends or neighbors know that you need to get out of the house immediately.

If you are currently living in an abusive situation, here are a few scenarios and what you can do to be safe:

Your partner attacks you

  • If your partner hurts you physically or is yelling and screaming, and you are scared, call 911

  • The police will respond. When the police come, try to stay calm. Ask for a police report. Take pictures of your bruises and injuries. If you are afraid to stay with your partner, ask the police for an EPO (an emergency protective order or temporary restraining order) which will give you immediate protection from your partner

  • If you cannot safely call the police or leave, stay where you can keep your back toward an open space, not a corner

  • Avoid the bathroom, kitchen or the garage, places where there are sharp or heavy objects and surfaces

 You are afraid and need to leave in a hurry

  • Always keep a small bag with a safe person or a safe place in the house with these things:

  1. Some money

  2. Important phone numbers of friends, Maitri, and shelters that you know of

  3. Important documents such as your and your children’s passports, social security cards, birth certificates or at least copies. Make sure you make copies of important documents when you get a chance.

  4. Take what you can from this list

  5. When you leave, take your children with you

If you cannot leave safely, try and keep your back toward an open space, not a corner. Make sure you avoid the bathroom, kitchen or the garage, places where there are sharp or heavy objects and surfaces.

Remember nobody deserves to be abused. Abuse is illegal & a crime.