Simply stated, a victim of domestic violence has two options: stay or leave. Neither option is simple. Both require a great deal of thought.
If the victim stays
If the victim stays, it is important to know that the violence will probably happen again, and it will probably get worse.
To protect herself and her children will require a plan. The plan should include the following:
tell neighbors and family to call the police if they see or hear anything violent
know where to go: friends, family, battered women shelter
pack a small bag with emergency items including:
1. birth certificates
2. social security cards
3. other important papers
4. extra sets of house and car keys
5. money
talk with someone who understands family violence:
1. a shelter crisis counselor
2. a battered women's support group
3. a victim advocate
4. a therapist
5. a doctor or nurse
If the victim leaves
If the victim leaves, she should take the following:
Identification for herself
Childrens' birth certificates
Her birth certificate
Social Security cards
School and vaccination records
Money
Checkbook, ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) card
Credit Cards
Keys - house, car, office
Driver's license and car registration
Medications
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