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Domestic Violence: Checklist of Things to Take When You Leave

Topic Overview

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 in case you need to leave suddenly. If you have children, take them. And take your pets, too, if possible.

Checklist for preparing to leave an abusive situation
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 passport
  • 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
Medicines
  • 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

Source: National Women's Health Information Center at www.WomensHealth.gov.

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Brigid McCaw, MD, MS, MPH, FACP - Family Violence Prevention
Last Revised March 12, 2010

Last Revised: March 12, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Brigid McCaw, MD, MS, MPH, FACP - Family Violence Prevention

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