Table 1.

Options for Safety Planning

Each recommendation should be discussed with the woman to decide whether it is safe and feasible: Advise women to collect the following items available in preparation for leaving: money, an extra set of house and car keys, important documents (social security cards, driver's license, birth certificates, passports, marriage license, rent and utility receipts, car registration, bank account numbers and check books, insurance policies and numbers, medical information), and a hidden bag with extra clothing, toiletries and food. Ask neighbors to call the police if they overhear violence. Have a code with family or friends that communicates that the IPV is occurring or is about to occur and establish what the family or friends will do if the woman uses the code. Remove or disarm weapons in the home.