A safety plan can help a woman protect herself in a violent situation. Advocates against domestic violence suggest the following tips for developing a personal plan in advance:

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Identify one or more neighbors you can tell about the violence, and ask them to seek help if they hear a disturbance in your home.
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If an argument seems unavoidable, try to have it in a room or an area that you can leave easily. Stay away from any room where weapons may be available.
* Practice how to get out of your home safely. Identify which doors, windows, elevator, or stairwell would be best.
* Have a packed bag ready, containing spare keys, money, important documents, and clothes. Keep it at the home of a relative or friend in case you need to leave your own home in a hurry.
* Devise a code word to use with your children, family, friends, and neighbors when you need emergency help or want them to call the police.
* Decide where you will go if you have to leave home, and have a plan to get there (even if you do not think you will need to leave).
* Use your instincts and judgment. If the situation is dangerous, consider giving the abuser what he is demanding to calm him down. You have the right to protect yourself and your children.
* Remember: you do not deserve to be hit or threatened.

1999-2000 Taken from the Population Reports issue, Ending Violence Against Women, published by the Johns Hopkins Population Information Program and the Center for Health and Gender Equity.