Domestic Violence Safety Plan

Following is information that will be valuable for you in developing a safety plan to protect you and your family.

The Palm Bay Police Department Victims' Advocacy Program for domestic violence is a free program that has been developed to help victims of domestic abuse/violence end the cycle of abuse/violence within the home. The Victims' Advocacy Program pursues the goals as recommended by the National Victim Assistance Academy to:

  • Empower victim's with the ability to make significant changes and solve problems.
  • Increase a victim's ability to make a successful transition from an abuse or battering environment to independence.
  • Connect the victim to both short- and long-term community resources that provide support, encouragement and assistance.
  • Provide information, assistance and support throughout the criminal justice system and beyond.

A Victim's Services Advocate who is trained in domestic abuse/violence issues is avail-able 24 hours per day at (321) 953-8998. Free transportation for appointments related to the judicial process is available.

Additionally, the Victims' Services Unit is offering free educational seminars for domestic violence victims. The seminars will be offered at convenient locations in Palm Bay. Contact the Victims' Service Unit at (321) 953-8998 for more information.

Safety During An Explosive Incident

  • If an argument seems unavoidable, try to have it in a room or area where you have access to an exit. Try to stay away from the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom or anywhere weapons might 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 and keep it at a relative or friend's home so you can leave quickly.
  • Identify one or more neighbors you can tell about the violence and ask that they call the police if they hear a disturbance coming from your home.
  • Devise a code word to use with your children, family, friends and neighbors when you need the police.
  • Decide and plan for where you will go if you have to leave home (even if you don't think it will ever be used).
  • Use your own instincts and judgment. If the situation is very dangerous, consider giving the abuser what he wants to calm him down. You have the right to protect yourself until you are out of danger.
  • Always remember-YOU DON'T DESERVE TO BE HIT, HURT OR THREATENED!

Safety When Preparing To Leave

  • Open a savings account and/or credit card in your own name to establish or increase your independence. Think of other ways in which you can increase your independence.
  • Leave money, an extra set of keys, copies of important documents and extra medicines and clothes with someone you trust so you can leave quickly.
  • Determine who would be able to let you stay with them or lend you some money.
  • Keep the shelter or hotline phone number close at hand and keep some change or a calling card on you at all times for emergency phone calls.
  • Review your safety plan as often as possible to plan the safest way to leave your batterer. REMEMBER-LEAVING YOUR BATTERER IS THE MOST DANGEROUS TIME.

Safety In Your Own Home

  • Change the locks on your doors as soon as possible. Buy additional locks and safety devices to secure your windows.
  • Discuss a safety plan with your children for when you are not with them.
  • Inform your children's school, day care, etc., about who has permission to pick up your children.
  • Inform neighbors and landlord that your partner no longer lives with you and that they should call the police if they see him near your home.

Safety With An Injunction For Protection

  • If you are being physically or sexually abused or threatened, there is a law to protect you. Under Florida Statute 741.30 and 784.146, you have the right to go to court and file a petition requesting an injunction for protection from domestic violence. This petition tells the judge what physical or sexual violence you have suffered and exactly what protection you need.
  • Contact the Victims' Services Unit at (321) 953-8998 to speak with the victim advocate about filing an injunction for protection.
  • Go to the Clerk of the Court's office in the most convenient county courthouse. Bring identification and any papers related to your case.
  • It is free to file an injunction.
  • Keep your copy of the injunction with you at all times. Leave extra copies at work, with a friend, in your car, etc.
  • Call the police if your partner violates the terms of the injunction.
  • Think of alternative ways to keep safe if the police do not respond right away.
  • Inform family, friends and neighbors that you have an injunction order in effect.
  • Try to avoid places where your batterer might go.

Safety On The Job And In Public

  • Decide who at work you will inform. This should include office or building security. Provide a copy of your protective order and a picture of your batterer if possible.
  • Arrange to have an answering machine, caller ID or a trusted friend or relative screen your telephone calls if possible.
  • Devise a safety plan for when you leave work. Have someone escort you to your car or bus and wait with you until you are safely en route. Use a variety of routes to go home. Think about what you would do if something happened while going home. If possible, carry a cellular phone at all times.

Your Safety And Emotional Health

  • If you are thinking of returning to a potentially abusive situation, discuss an alternative plan with someone you trust.
  • If you have to communicate with your partner, determine the safest way to do so.
  • Have positive thoughts about yourself and be assertive with others about your needs. Read books and articles and attend a program or seminar enhancing your self-esteem to help you feel stronger.
  • Decide who you can call to talk freely and openly to give you the support you need.
  • Plan to attend a support group for at least two weeks to gain support from others and learn more about yourself and the relationship.

Checklist: What To Take With You When You Leave

Identification

  • Driver's License
  • Children's Birth Certificate
  • Your Birth Certificate
  • Social Security Cards
  • Welfare Identification

Legal Papers

  • Your Injunction of Protection Order
  • Car Registration/Insurance Papers, Title to Vehicle
  • Health/Life Insurance Papers
  • School and Vaccination Records
  • Work Permit, Green Card, Visa, Passport
  • Divorce and Custody Papers
  • Lease, Rental Agreement or House Deed

Financial Items

  • Money (Including Change for Phone Calls)
  • ATM Card, Checkbook, Bankbook, Credit Cards

Other Items

  • Keys-House, Car, Office
  • Address Book
  • Medications
  • Jewelry
  • Change of Clothes
  • Toiletries
  • Items of Sentimental Value
  • Children's Favorite Toy/Blanket

Phone Numbers For Additional Services

If the abuse (a crime) caused you to incur uncovered medical expenses and/or lost wages, you may be eligible for compensation. To qualify for these services, you must be willing to prosecute and cooperate with law enforcement officials.

Palm Bay Victims' Services Unit (321) 953-8998

Crime Victim's Compenstion 1-800-226-6667

State of Florida Domestic

Violence Hotline 1-800-500-1119

Domestic Violence Shelters

Serene Harbor (321) 726-8282

Salvation Army (321) 631-2764

Women's Center (321) 425-1076

Family Counseling Center (321) 632-5792

Crisis Line (24 hours) (321) 631-8944

Circles of Care (24-hour information line) (321) 722-5200

State Attorney's Office (321) 617-7510

Counseling provided by Florida Institute of Technology Counseling and Psychological Services