1. Keep a spare set of keys, a set of clothes, important papers (birth certificates, social security cards, and medical cards), and prescriptions with someone you trust.

2. Keep any evidence of physical abuse such as ripped clothes and/or photos of injuries.

3. Plan the safest time to get away.

4. Know where you can go for help; tell someone what is happening to you.  Have the phone numbers of friends, relatives, and domestic violence programs with you.

5. Call 911 if you are in danger and need help.

6. If you are injured, go to the hospital emergency room or a doctor and report what has happened to you.  Ask that they document your visit.  A trained staff person from The Abuse Network can accompany you and review your options at those sites.

7. Consider involving your children in your safety plan.  Try to identify a safe place for them to go when violence occurs such as a neighbor's house. Reassure them that their job is to stay safe, not to protect you.

8. To alert a trusted neighbor to call 911, arrange in advance a special signal with them such as flashing the porch light.

9. Stay away from rooms where weapons are present.  Never lock yourself in a room with no escape route.  Try to move towards a door or window to get out and away from the violence.

10. Contact The Abuse Network's 24-Hour Hotline at (717) 242-2444 to find out about laws, shelter, and other resources available to you.  Collect calls are accepted.