DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CENTER of Chester County

Making the decision to leave an abusive relationship can be very difficult. There are many factors involved in this decision. It may take time for you to feel you are ready to leave...but when you are, call us. One of our trained counselors and advocates will help you develop a safety plan so you and your children can remain safe once you leave.

When you are ready...

• Pack a bag in advance and leave it at a friend's or neighbor's house. Include items for yourself and your children like cash and credit cards, clothing, medicine, treasured items and toys.
• Get an extra set of car and house keys made and hide them outside of your home in a place you can get to. You will need to be able to get them if you have to leave quickly.
• Take your important papers with you when you leave. Make sure to gather important papers such as birth certificates, passports, green cards, health insurance cards, drivers license, social security cards, court papers and check book/credit cards and put them together in one place. This way, when you are ready to leave, you can get to them quickly and will not have to search for them.