Safety Planning Checklist for Children
Safety Planning Checklist for Children
Here is some information about working with children who have witnessed domestic violence. Remember that it is the perpetrator’s choice to expose violence to their children. Do not blame the mother for the violence that is being perpetrated against her. Hold the perpetrator responsible for his actions.
Stay out of the fight.
- You may want to get in the middle of the fight to protect and help your parent, but this is not a safe thing for you to do.
- Stay out of the room where the fighting is happening.
Avoid getting trapped in a small room, closet or the kitchen.
- You may feel like hiding, but if you go into a corner or closet, it may be hard to get out again safely.
- Don’t get trapped in the kitchen where there are objects that can be used as weapons.
Find a phone in a safe place. Call 911 for help and stay on the phone.
- Use a phone out of reach or out of sight of the batterer.
- If you can’t reach a phone safely in your own house, go to a neighbor, relative, or friend you trust and ask if you can use the phone.
- Call 911 or your local police emergency number and stay on the phone until someone answers.
- Tell the dispatcher what is happening in your home and ask for immediate help.
- Give the dispatcher your address.
Escape to a safe place. Find a relative or neighbor and ask for their help.
- Think about which grownups you would feel safe talking to.
- Don’t give up if the first person you go to won’t help. Try another adult. Keep trying until you find someone to help you.
