Domestic Violence safety planning
The YWCA West Central Michigan has been a place of hope, healing, and renewal since 1900. Today, our services work to address the issues of violence against women and children which undermine individuals, families, and our community. With comprehensive services, participation in community-based solutions and ongoing education, our vision is a community that demonstrates a commitment to creating a nurturing, violence-free environment for women and children.
The YWCA´s services are integrated to address the whole of a person´s experience. Whether you are hoping to enroll in Girls Inc. or are a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault or childhood sexual abuse, the entire range of our services are available to you as appropriate. Unless it is noted next to a specific service on this website, a court-order is not required in order to find the help you need here.
If you are in immediate danger or feel unsafe, call 911.
YWCA 24-Hour Confidential Crisis Line
616.451.2744
Leaving abuse is difficult. The most dangerous time for victims is when they make efforts to leave the relationship.
If you cannot stay safe at home or decide to end the relationship, be sure to develop a safety plan beforehand. While none of these suggestions will guarantee your safety, there are some things that can be done to reduce your vulnerability.
Call the YWCA for help in developing a personalized safety or escape plan.616.451.2744
If you can, avoid using a home computer to look for domestic violence information. It is almost impossible to completely hide what websites you have visited. Access public computers, such as those at libraries, instead. Click here for tips on surfing safely.
Take ALL threats seriously. Trust your instincts.
Call 911 if you feel unsafe or have already been hurt.
Teach your children to call 911.
Devise a signal to let neighbors know that you are in trouble. As an example, turn on a porch light that is not used for any other purpose or tie a towel around the front door knob, etc.
Change the locks on your doors and windows
Keep your plans secret from your abuser.
Notify your place of employment to prevent the batterer from stalking you at work.
File a Personal Protection Order. Include your children on the PPO so that the batterer cannot remove your children from their schools, daycare, etc., unless they have a Circuit Court order.
Pack key documents and items such as:
Lease/ Deed/ Rental Agreement
Driver's License
Checkbook/ Credit Cards/ Cash
Social Security Cards
Medical Records
Bankbooks
Birth Certificates
Insurance Papers
Divorce/ Legal Papers
Welfare Identification
Food Stamps
School Records
Immunization Records
Keys
Vehicle Titles
Address Book
Medications
Clothing
Personal Care Items
Decide on a safe place for your children to go if you leave the abusive situation.
Check out these links for additional safety plan ideas:• National Domestic Violence Hotline
• Kent County Domestic Violence Coordinated Community Response Team
