Be FREE of DV by Making a Plan; You Can!
An exit plan is a practical plan that includes ways to remain safe while in a relationship, planning to leave, or after you leave.
Exit planning involves many steps i.e: how to cope with your feelings, build your support network with friends and family, share with others about the abuse, take legal action, etc.
Please call 1-800-799-7233 the National DV Hotline for more supports and help.
A good exit plan will have: information, tailor it to your unique situation and will help you to get out. It is your plan with advocate help.
Remember that a good plan will have:
1) Networking,
2) Help you to cope with feelings,
3) Think of a safe place to go to,
4) Stash of cash, &
5) Supports
You have been thinking about your plan for a while; practice it! Please remember that under stress, our brains don't always respond the way we want, so rehearse the plan and make sure you are calm. Having an exit plan laid out and practiced will help to protect yourself in the heat of the moment.
Here are some links to more resources, support groups, and blogs to help you become #freefromdv
Hotlines
1-800-799-7233 the National DV Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673) RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
Supports:
Local shelters
You can see a list on the National hotline Website
Going to the website will connect you to a list of state and local resources that you can
find access to. Networking is the most important factor in make your plan to escape true success. Remember, you are NOT alone. You have resources. You have contacts and support that can really help you network and save lives.
There are also hotels that you can find that are connected to shelters and offer protection and safety if shelters are full or you are not able to travel to a shelter. As incredible as it sounds, the hotel that I ran away to 14 years ago, is now one of these shelters. Hotels are another resource for you to explore as you are making your exit plans.
As part of the resources, I wanted to also share prevention programs. These resources are here to help communities become educated, implement programs, and change behaviors.
Prevention Programs
If you need any supports in making your plan please contact me at april@apriltribe.com. If you would like to be a part of our Facebook community of support, please join here.