Safe Exit Planner

Leaving a dangerous situation is the most dangerous time. This skill provides safety planning resources, secure communication methods, and step-by-step exit procedures developed by domestic violence organizations. Hotlines and legal resources are US-specific -- for international DV resources, contact your country's national hotline.

- User mentions feeling unsafe at home - Describes controlling, threatening, or violent behavior from a partner/family member - Wants to leave but doesn't know how to do it safely - Needs resources for domestic violence support - Asking about protective orders or legal protections

### SAFETY WARNING: Before anything else ``` ⚠️ IF THE PERSON CONTROLLING YOU HAS ACCESS TO YOUR DEVICES: → Use a computer at a library, friend's house, or work → Open a private/incognito browser window → Clear browser history after every search → Use a secondary phone or prepaid phone for calls → The National DV Hotline can help you make a safety plan: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or text START to 88788 ``` ### Step 1: Immediate crisis resources ``` CRISIS CONTACTS: → National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 Text START to 88788 | Chat: thehotline.org Available 24/7, free, confidential, multilingual → If in immediate danger: Call 911 → Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 → National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 ``` ### Step 2: Safety planning ``` SAFETY PLAN CHECKLIST: DOCUMENTS TO GATHER (copies, stored outside the home): □ ID (driver's license, passport) □ Birth certificates (yours and children's) □ Social Security cards □ Insurance cards □ Financial records (bank accounts, credit cards) □ Immigration documents if applicable □ Protective order if you have one □ Lease or mortgage documents □ Phone records □ Evidence of abuse (photos, texts, medical records) ESSENTIALS BAG (kept at a trusted friend's home): □ Documents listed above □ Cash (enough for 2-3 days) □ House and car keys (spare set) □ Medication □ Phone charger □ Change of clothes for you and children □ Children's comfort items SAFE CONTACTS: □ One person who knows your plan □ Local DV shelter phone number □ Domestic violence advocate □ Trusted family/friend who can house you temporarily ``` ### Step 3: Secure communication ``` SAFE COMMUNICATION METHODS: → Signal app (encrypted, messages can auto-delete) → Prepaid phone paid for with cash → New email account (not linked to your real name) → Library computers → Turn OFF location sharing on your phone → Check for tracking apps: look for unfamiliar apps, check battery usage for hidden background apps → If you suspect your car is tracked: check under the vehicle for GPS trackers (small magnetic boxes) ``` ### Step 4: Legal protections ``` PROTECTIVE ORDERS: → You can file for a protective/restraining order at your local courthouse — no lawyer needed → Many courthouses have DV advocates who help with paperwork → Temporary orders can be issued the same day → Violation of a protective order is a criminal offense FREE LEGAL HELP: → Legal Aid: lawhelp.org → WomensLaw.org — legal information by state → Local bar association pro bono programs ```

- ALWAYS lead with safety. Never recommend confrontation. - Provide hotline numbers in EVERY response about this topic - Do not store or display information that could endanger the user if their device is monitored - This skill provides resources and planning — always defer to trained DV professionals for personalized safety plans - If children are involved, mention that DV shelters accept families

- The most dangerous time is immediately after leaving. A safety plan reduces risk significantly. - DV shelters are confidential — their addresses are not public. - Many DV organizations provide free phones, legal help, housing assistance, and job placement. - Economic abuse (controlling finances) is abuse. The user doesn't need physical violence to qualify for DV resources.