Leave $5 or more and an extra set of car keys hidden outside your house or at a neighbour's house.
Keep important documents (birth certificates, medical records, financial records, marriage certificate/licence etc.) and extra clothing at a friend's house or hidden near an exit.
Try to develop friendships with neighbours, tell those who you can trust about the violence. Ask them to agree to call the police if they hear suspicious noise coming from your house.
Develop a code word with two friends that lets them know that you need to get out now.
Let your child's teacher and school principal know enough about the situation to respond supportively in the crisis. Try to get them to agree to not release the children to their father, should you report to them that you are about to leave home.
Decide now where you will go, how you will get there etc. the next time he becomes violent. (Do this even if you really don't think there will be a next time).
If you tell him that you will leave if he ever hits you again, think about whether you're giving him permission to hit you "just one more time".
Try to avoid arguments in the bathroom, in the garage, in the kitchen, near weapons or any other place that has sharp or heavy equipment/instruments around.
If he seems to be "building up" and you can't safely leave, try to keep your back towards an open space NOT a corner.
Always remember YOU DON'T DESERVE TO BE HIT.

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Plan for Women