Emergency/Legal Resources -

The violence is NOT your fault. The abuser is responsible. There is NEVER a reason or excuse for violence against another person. We are here to listen to you and support you.

There are things you can do to stop the abuse. The most important thing to consider is your safety and that of your children, if any. Develop a safety plan and put it in a safe place. Let someone know if you feel violence is about to happen. When violence seems close, avoid the kitchen, bathroom and rooms without doors to the outside. Begin action on a safety plan at any sign of trouble.

If you plan to leave a violent relationship, the danger may get worse during an escape or after leaving a violent relationship.

Prepare a safety plan and review it often (fill in blanks below, #2 through #8). Share your plan only with someone you trust to keep the information in absolute confidence. Keep the written plan somewhere safe, such as at work or with your trusted friend or family member.
If you move, put the rent, phone and utilities in someone else's name, but not that of a friend or a relative that the abuser knows. Make sure all locks on doors and windows work, and lights inside and outside work. Install alarms on all doors and windows and install smoke alarms. Use metal doors when possible. Install dead bolts. Get an unlisted phone number.

Get an Injunction for Protection. Keep copies at home, work and in purse. If the abuser violates the injunction, immediately report it to the police. Also keep copies of divorce, custody orders and other legal papers in secure place. Give school a copy of orders.

Have another person deliver and pick up children if a judge orders visitation. Make special arrangements to pick up children at school. Ask the school to call about any contact by the abuser. Make the same arrangements with childcare/babysitters.

Use a P. O. Box and only check it during busy hours, or have mail sent to a trusty individual to be forwarded to you. Do not file a change of address card with the post office - it is not private.

Ask neighbors to listen, watch and call police about suspicious people or activities.

If you work outside the home, the abuser may come to your place of work. Devise a safety plan for your work location. The main thing is to let others know your situation so they will know what to do in an emergency. Suggestions include: Have your calls screened. Have a buddy (and a backup buddy) watch for you every day, especially coming and going. Plan your entry and exit each day. Drive a different way each day to and from work, get dropped off and picked up at work, car pool, or trade cars with someone. Tell co-workers and boss about the situation. Ask them to call police in an emergency. Use a parking space close to the door in a well lighted place. Request your office or desk be placed in a safe location. Find a room to use in an emergency. Be sure it locks, has a telephone and a window or second door. Plan an escape route. Have a signal for help (whistle/alarm). Request help from an employee assistance plan. Keep a copy of your injunction at work and let others know about it.

Each step in planning will allow you to be another step closer to safety and peace.

The "EMERGENCY/LEGAL RESOURCES" page (Click on the link below) on this website provides many important contact phone numbers and valuable resources which you may find helpful on the road to Peace. 

REMEMBER THERE ARE A LOT OF CARING PEOPLE WHO CARE AND WANT TO BE OF SERVICE TO YOU. HOPE IS JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY.

How do you plan to get away from the abuser or to get help to come to you?

Emergency number to be called______________

Transportation will be_______________________

Helpers or supporters and their phone numbers ______________________

Where will you go____________

What will you take with you______________

What will you do with pets ______________

If children are not with you at home, how will you collect them __________________

Other responsibilities ____________________________

Check off items needed. Keep as many of these items as possible away from home, purse and car. You may need to gradually gather these items in a safe place.

___ Identification (driver's license, passport, green card, work permit)
___ Birth certificates for self and children
___ Social security cards for self and children
___ Extra car, house, storage facility and other keys
___ Checkbook, ATM card
___ Credit cards, bankbooks, other bank documents
___ Address book/phone numbers
___ Food stamps, medicaid cards, etc.
___ Car registration
___ Car, health and life insurance papers
___ School and medical records
___ Divorce, custody or injunction papers
___ Proof of income (check stub) for partner
___ Prepaid long distance card
___ Copies of bills you are jointly liable for
___ Change of clothes, jackets, shoes
___ Medicine and prescriptions (extra)
___ Personal hygiene products (tampons, toothbrushes, deodorant, etc.)
___ Diapers, formula, toys, blankets
___ Pictures, jewelry, important keepsakes. Be careful not to remove items that would be immediately missed until you are actually leaving
___ Information on the abuser, social security number, employer and phone, car make and model, year, color and tag #

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"beauty for ashes...oil of joy." ISA. 61:3

IF YOU ARE A VICTIM

24 Hr. Florida Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-500-7233
 Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-962-2873 (VOICE) 1-800-453-5145 (TTY)
 Oasis of Peace Ministry Hotline Jacksonville & Vicinity:   904-821-0709
 Putnam & St. Johns County:  904-347-5657 (After Hours)
 All other areas: 1-888-821-0709