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Housing and Domestic Violence
Once you have Left an Abusive Relationship:
 Change your locks and
home security system codes.
Add locks to doors and
windows including a deadbolt.
Make sure your driveway,
walkway and/or porch/deck areas are well lit.
Change your phone number
to an unlisted number. Put caller ID block on your phone
and get a caller ID box.
Use your answering machine
to screen calls. Save any and all threatening messages
that may be left on the answering machine or voicemail.
Open a post office box.
Have all of your mail forward to the PO Box.
Shred all mail or forms
that your new address appears on.
Inform your neighbors,
landlord, housing authority and/or homeowners association
that the abuser no longer lives with you. Therefore,
they should call the police and let you know if they
see him/her.
Inform your supervisor,
co-workers, and workplace security that you are no longer
in a relationship with your abuser. Therefore, if they
see him/her, they should call the police and let you
know. Provide them with the name, description or photo
of your abuser, if possible.
Ask your work security
to escort you to your car when leaving.
Think about safety issues
when traveling. Always drive with all of your doors
locked. Change the route you go to and from work. Vary
the stores you go to (ie. grocery, convenience store,
coffee shops).
Consider a restraining
order. You may contact you local court or DistrictAttorney’s
Office to speak to an advocate. He or she will explain
your options and the process of seeking a restraining
order.
If you have a restraining
order, give a copy to your neighbors, landlord, housing
authority and/or homeowners association, supervisor
and work security. Keep a copy in your car. Always carry
a copy with you.
If
the legal or judicial system failed to protect you or
a family member
from abuse Please Contact:
Amnesty
International & The
United Nations
Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at:
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224
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