When You Leave

Our expert advocates are ready to help you come up with a personalized path to safety, but if you’re forced to leave in a hurry, use the following list of items as a quick guide for what to bring with you:

Identification
  • Driver’s license or state ID card
  • Birth certificate and children’s birth certificates
  • Social security cards
  • Financial information
  • Money and/or credit cards (in your name)
  • Checking and/or savings account books

Legal papers
  • Protective order, if applicable (make multiple copies if possible)
  • Copies of any lease or rental agreements or the deed to your home
  • Car registration and insurance papers
  • Health and life insurance papers
  • Medical records for you and your children
  • School records
  • Work permits/Green Cards/visas
  • Passport
  • Any legal documents, including divorce and custody papers
  • Marriage license

Emergency numbers
  • Your attorney
  • Your local domestic violence program or shelter
  • Trusted friends and family members
  • Your local doctor’s office and hospital
  • Criminal legal resources
  • Children’s school
  • The Hotline

Other items to keep in mind
  • Medications and refills (if possible)
  • Emergency items, like food, bottles of water, and a first aid kit
  • Multiple changes of clothes for you and your children
  • Emergency money
  • Address book
  • Extra sets of house and car keys
  • Pictures and sentimental items
  • Valuable items, such as jewelry
  • Safe cell phone, if necessary

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