If you are in immediate danger, you should call 911. If you are not in immediate danger but if you feel that your safety is at risk, you should contact a professional, such as those at the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline to create a safety plan for your specific situation and needs.
Information and Helpful Tips
- Think about people and organizations who will support you; share information about your situation with people you trust.
- Think about and practice how you would get out of the house safely.
- Prepare a bag with extra clothes and key documents for you and/or your children.
- Make copies of key documents and your keys, and leave them with a trusted friend.
- Decide on a code word to use with children or your friends to let them know you are in danger and that they should call 911.
- If you feel like you are in imminent danger, move to a room with an exit and stay away from enclosed spaces with possible weapons, such as the kitchen.
- Leave and go to a neighbor, friend, or relative’s house, if possible.
- Call 9-1-1 and the police can transport you to a hospital or safe place.
- Keep any evidence of abuse, such as: photos of bruises or cuts, ripped clothing, or damaged property; threatening voicemails, texts, or emails; and medical or police records in a safe place and backed up electronically or extra copies with an individual you trust.
Other Resources
Physical safety
Emotional safety
Financial safety
Technical and social media safety
Translations
- Bądź bezpieczny
- 안전 유지
- оставаться в безопасности
- ostanite sigurni
- 注意安全
- mantenerse a salvo
- おげんきで
- كن آمنا