Safety After You Have Left[i]

If you are no longer living with the abuser, here are some things you can do to enhance your and your children’s safety.

1. Change the locks, if you are still in your home and the abuser is the one who has left.

2. Install as many security features as possible in your home. These might include metal doors and gates, security alarm system, smoke detectors and outside lights or motion detector lights.

3. Inform neighbors that your former partner is not welcome on the premises. Ask them to cal the police if they see that person loitering about your property or watching your home.

4. Make sure the people who care for your children are very clear about who does and does not have permission to pick up your children.

5. Obtain a civil protection order or a peace order. Keep it near you at all times, and make sure friends and neighbors have copies to show the police.

6. Let your co-workers know about your situation, especially if your former partner is likely to come to your work place. Ask them to warn you if they observe that person around.

7. Avoid the stores, banks, and businesses you used when you were living with your abuser.

8. Get counseling. Attend workshops. Join support groups. Do whatever it takes to form a supportive network that will be there when you need it.

Where to get help:

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1(800)799-SAFE (7233)

1(800)787-3224 (For the hearing-impaired)

Also, for further assistance, see other related topics. If you would like to speak with someone from the EAP, call our toll free 24-hour hotline at:

1(866) 443-3277

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[i] It Shouldn’t Hurt to Go Home, The Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, May 1999 16