Family Domestic Violence Services

 Program Director:
Kathleen Welby-Moretti
PO Box 3817
Kingston, NY 12402
Tel: (845) 338-2370
Fax: (845) 331-0526
fdvs@familyofwoodstockinc.org
A Program of Family of Woodstock Inc.

What is a Safety Plan?
Every individual in an abusive relationship needs a safety plan. Shelters and crisis counselors have been urging safety plans for years, and police departments, victim services, hospitals, and courts have adopted this strategy. Safety plans should be individualized -- for example, taking account of age, marital status, whether children are involved, geographic location, and resources available -- but still contain common elements. 

When creating a safety plan:

Think about all possible escape routes. Doors, first-floor windows, basement exits, elevators, stairwells.
Rehearse if possible. 

Choose a place to go. To the home of a friend or relative who will offer unconditional support, or a motel
or hotel, or a shelter - most importantly somewhere you will feel safe.

Try to start an individual savings account. Have statements sent to a trusted relative or friend. 

Avoid arguments with the abuser in areas with potential weapons. Kitchen, garage, or in small spaces
without access to an outside door. 

Know the telephone number of the domestic violence hotline. Contact it for information on resources and legal rights. 

Review the safety plan monthly. 

If you are in immediate physical danger call 911.

Leave, if possible and go to a safe place. Family, friends, hospital, police or domestic abuse shelter.
Keep an emergency kit in an old purse or container that can be easily and quickly grabbed when you leave. It should contain:

  • House and car keys 
  • Social security cards 
  • Driver's license 
  • Birth, marriage/divorce certificates 
  • School records 
  • Immunization and medical records 
  • Money, checkbook 
  • Bank books and credit cards
Please remember that once a violent act takes place in a relationship, the violence almost always reoccurs. In fact it tends to become more severe and more frequent. 

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