Checklist for Leaving an Abuser

Here are some helpful items to get together when you are planning on leaving an abusive situation. Keep these items in a safe place until you are ready to leave, or if you need to leave suddenly. If you have children, take them. And take your pets too (if you can).

Identification for Yourself and Your Children

birth certificates
social security cards (or numbers written on paper if you can't find the cards)
driver's license
photo identification or passports
welfare identification
green card

Important Personal Papers

marriage certificate
divorce papers
custody orders
legal protection or restraining orders
health insurance papers and medical cards
medical records for all family members
children's school records
investment papers/records and account numbers
work permits
immigration papers
rental agreement/lease or house deed
car title, registration, and insurance information

Funds

cash
credit cards
ATM card
checkbook and bankbook (with deposit slips)

Keys

house
car
safety deposit box or post office box

A Way to Communicate

phone calling card
cell phone
address book

Medications

at least 1 month's supply for all medicines you and your children are taking, as well as a copy of the prescriptions

A Way to Get By

jewelry or small objects you can sell, if you run out of money or stop having access to your accounts

Things to Help You Cope

pictures
keepsakes
children's small toys or books

If you're a victim of violence at the hands of someone you know or love or you are recovering from an assault by a stranger, you are not alone.

To get immediate help and support
call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.

VitaDocs Public Information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services