Safety Measures

L.A. Times Archives

Nov. 21, 1997 12 AM PT

To increase your safety when trying to leave a relationship that has turned violent:

* Tell those around you--parents or others you trust--about the violence. They can support you in getting out of the relationship and in seeking protection.

* Ask friends and others to call police when they think you might be in danger.

* Keep important phone numbers--police, hotline, friends, shelter--with you, and always have change to make phone calls.

* Make and keep with you a list of places you could go to be safe if you need to get away in a hurry.

To increase your safety when the relationship is over:

* Get a protective order from the courts.

* Give copies of the protective order to the local police, your school, your employer and anywhere else you might need to be. Keep a copy with you at all times.

* Inform the people close to you that you are no longer in the relationship. Ask them to look out for you and to call for help if they sense you are in danger.

* Select someone you feel comfortable talking to when you need extra support.

* Find a support group that works with victims of dating or domestic violence.

Source: Break the Cycle

Dating Violence Victim Services

Women’s shelters, domestic-violence programs and legal services:

Human Options

P.O. Box 9376

Newport Beach, CA 92658

Hotline: (714) 854-3554

Laura’s House

97 Calle de Industrias

San Clemente, CA 92672