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may ask, before an episode of violence, if the employee will immediately call the police for her when she flees to their business for safety.
A woman should also plan for a more lengthy refuge after escaping the home. Where can she go to stay? How will she get there? Having a safety backpack stashed with a trusted friend can help her get to a more permanent shelter. She should put money, checks and bank account/credit card information, extra house and car keys, clothing, pre-paid phone cards, copies of important papers (restraining orders, birth certificates, deeds, documents regarding the domestic violence, phone numbers and addresses, health insurance, social security cards, credit cards, car insurance, leases) and medications if needed. Whatever she might need for a week away from home is a good guide and, whatever papers and identifications, cards or information she might need to re-establish herself in another residence and to keep in contact with significant others.

A plan for where to go for more permanent shelter is extremely important. She should familiarize herself with local resources and how to access them. Phone numbers and addresses should be in her safety bag. It is preferable to make one list or have one organized address book in which all numbers and addresses are written. Contact names should be included. Also, because of the panic involved in acute episodes of violence, a woman should include first and last names, email addresses, street addresses, complete phone numbers and directions to safe havens, family members and friends. Usually memorized information can be irretrievable when panicked and/or injured.
Enough money to use taxi cabs is wise. Relying on buses, walking, trains or subways can leave the woman vulnerable to her abuser if he chooses to follow her as she travels to shelter. Going directly to a police station, court house or emergency room are good options if the abuser is following. Have the cab driver take you there and wait until you are inside. If the abuser is on the scene stay locked in the car or cab and honk the horn until someone comes or call 911 from a cell phone. If in a cab the driver can call his dispatcher who can then call for help. Police stations are preferable. Policemen are equipped to deal with violence; however, court houses and hospitals have security personnel, are typically open all night and have experience with crisis.
If you are the victim of domestic violence, remember that denial sets in during the

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