Leaving your abuser can be the most dangerous time of your life. Please be very careful when making any plans to leave.

We understand that it is difficult to leave a familiar situation for the unknown. We can help you plan next steps to reduce the danger you may be in and connect you with resources to help you assess your options. Call our hotline 24/7 at (617) 661-7203 for individual help.

What Can I Do During an Explosive Incident?

I can...

• Call 911, and a friend or a neighbor, if possible. Inform them if there are weapons in the home.
• Tell my children, grandchildren or neighbors so I can communicate to them that you need the police.
• Trust my own judgment.

What Can I Do When Preparing To Leave?

Leaving can be the most dangerous time. I can...

• Have a safe place to stay.
• Call a domestic violence victim service program.
• Find out which services and shelters are available as options if I need them.
• Find someone I trust.
• Leave money, extra keys, copies of important documents and clothing with someone I trust in advance.

What Can I Take With Me?

I can bring...

• My IDs: Driver's license, Social Security card, work permit, green card, passport, or visa
• My birth certificate
• Money, checkbooks, credit cards, ATM cards, mortgage payment book, car title
• My documents: Divorce, custody papers and restraining order
• My keys: house, car, office, friend's
• My medications, glasses, hearing aids, etc. and my children's medications

What Can I Do to Improve Safety in My Home?

I can...

• Consider a security service, window bars, better lighting, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
• Develop a safety plan.
• Have a code word or signal with my children.
• Change my phone number.
• Screen my calls.
• Talk to neighbors and landlord about my situation.
• Find a lawyer I trust who can help me with divorce, custody, or restraining orders.
• Contact my local domestic violence victim services program. Our hotline is available 24/7 at 617-661-7203.

IN AN EMERGENCY ALWAYS CALL 911.