Safety Packing List
If you are leaving an abusive situation, take your children and, if possible, your pets. Gather the items listed below and keep them together or in close range. Hide them in a place where you can get them quickly, or leave them with a friend or family member. If you are in immediate danger, leave the items, your safety comes first.
Identification for Yourself and your Children
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Birth Certificates
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Social Security Cards (or numbers written on paper if you can find the cards)
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Drivers License
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Photo identification or passports
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Welfare Benefits Card
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Green Card
Important Papers
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Marriage Certificate
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Divorce Paper
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Custody Orders
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Legal Protection or Restraining Orders
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Health insurance paper and medical cards
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Medical record for all family members
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Children's school records
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Investment papers/records and account numbers
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Work permits
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Immigration papers
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Rental agreement/lease or house deed
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Car title, registration, and insurance information
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Records of police reports you have filed of other evidence of abuse
Medications
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At least one month's supply for all medicines you and your children are taking
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A copy of any prescriptions
Money and other ways to get by
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Cash
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Credit Cards
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ATM Cards
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Checkbook and Bankbook (with deposit slips)
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Jewelry or small objects you can sell
Keys
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House
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Car
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Safety deposit box or post office box
Ways to Communicate
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Cell Phone*
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Phone Calling Card*
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Address Book
*It is best not to use the card or phone that you shared with an abuser because he or she may be able to use them to find you.
Things to help you cope
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Pictures
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Keepsakes
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Children's small toys or books