Therapist's Guide to Clinical Intervention - Sigmund Freud

3. Decide ahead of time if you plan to take the children with you. Always
try to take the children in order to get yourself and them out of an unsafe
environment. An abusive environment may teach your children things
about behavior and relationships that you don't want them to learn.
4. Develop a code word with your children, neighbor, friends, or supportive family
that lets them know that you need to get out or you need them to call the police
*If there have been serious threats to your safety and you are fearful, contact local law
enforcement.
CREATE A SAFE ROOM IN YOUR HOME
1. Choose a room with a window
2. Get a cordless phone for that room
3. If possible, arrange a signal system for help with a neighbor
4. Plan a barricade
5. Install interior locks on the door (ask about locks at the local hardware store)
6. Make sure that there are not any weapons in the room
7. Call the police immediately should you need to use the safe room
*If things are building up, try to leave immediately to prevent the situation from getting out
of control. If you can't get out, don't get backed into a corner. Try to keep your back toward
an opening such as a door or window.
HAVE MONEY AND KEYS
1. Make duplicate keys for your vehicles, house, safety deposit box,
post office box, and so on
2. Start hiding money in amounts that will not be missed
3. Open your own bank account
4. Save pay stubs and other important receipts
CREATE A FILE WITH YOUR IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
(IF YOU ARE TAKING YOUR CHILDREN, ALSO PUT
THEIR DOCUMENTS)
1. Temporary restraining order
2. Driver's license
3. Car title and registration
4. Social security card(s)
5. Birth certificate(s)
6. Immigration paper(s)
7. Social services documents
8. Prescriptions
9. Tax records/receipts for property purchases
10. Bank statements
11. Address book
400 3. Skill-Building Resources for Increasing Social Competency