Safety Planning

When leaving an abuser or ending an abusive relationship, it is a good idea to have a plan in place. Talk with an advocate, a pastor or a counselor and customize a plan that best suits your needs and addresses the risks you face.

Here are some good resources to get you started:

* The Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence offers some tips on planning and dealing with stalking ....http://ccafv.org/docs/Stalking_Tips_Rev1.pdf

* This domestic violence organization offers a list of things to think about when developing your own safety plan AND it provides a very useful list of items you might consider taking with you. Find the information at http://www.domesticviolence.org/personalized-safety-plan/

Finally, remember that leaving or ending a relationship with an abuser can be dangerous. Abuse often escalates at this point because the abuser is losing control of the relationship. In fact, some studies indicate that a woman's risk of being injured increases by 70 to 75 percent when she finally decides to leave. What's more, the first 72 hours after a break up are the most dangerous.