Domestic violence checklist: What to take with you when you leave

Here are some helpful items to get together when you are planning on leaving an abusive situation. Keep these items in a safe place until you are ready to leave or in case you need to leave suddenly. If you have children, take them. And take your pets, too, if possible.

Checklist for preparing to leave an abusive situation

Identification for yourself and your children	Birth certificates Social Security cards (or numbers written on paper if you can't find the cards) Driver's license Photo identification or passport Welfare identification Green card
Important personal papers	Marriage certificate Divorce papers Custody orders Legal protection or restraining orders Health insurance papers and medical cards Medical records for all family members Children's school records Investment papers/records and account numbers Work permits Immigration papers Rental agreement/lease or house deed Car title, registration, and insurance information
Funds	Cash Credit cards ATM card Checkbook and bankbook (with deposit slips)
Keys	House Car Safety deposit box or post office box
A way to communicate	Phone calling card Cell phone Address book
Medicines	At least 1 month's supply for all medicines you and your children are taking, as well as a copy of the prescriptions
A way to get by	Jewelry or small objects you can sell, if you run out of money or stop having access to your accounts
Things to help you cope	Pictures Keepsakes Children's small toys or books

^{From the National Women's Health Information Center at http://www.WomensHealth.gov}