Last Reviewed 12/17/07
 

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHECKLIST - What To Take When You Leave

When you leave, it is important to take certain items with you. Some women give an extra copy of papers and an extra set of clothing to a friend just in case they have to leave quickly. I plan to put these items in one place so, I can grab them quickly. The bolded items are critical to take.
 
#1 Identification
 
____ Driver’s License and registration or other identification for myself.
____ Birth Certificates for myself and my children
____ Social Security cards
____ Public assistance identification
____ Work permits, green card, passport, visa
 
# 2 Legal
 
____ YOUR PROTECTIVE ORDER
____ Lease or rental agreement or house deed and mortgage payment book
____ Health and life insurance papers
____ Medical records for myself and my children
____ School and vaccination records 
____ Divorce and custody papers
____ Copies of proof of assets such as bank or retirement fund statements, loan balances, stock certificates, CD’s,
        past tax returns, his paycheck stubs, insurance appraisals,
____ Any written agreements made by you and your spouse 

# 3 Financial
 
____ Money and/or credit: Both parties have the right to take all of the money out of joint savings or checking
        accounts. If he takes all of the money, I may not get my share of the money until a judge decides how the 
        money should be divided later, if ever.
____ Checkbooks and passbooks
____ ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) card
 
# 4 Other Items
 
____ House and car keys
____ Medications
____ Jewelry/Other small objects I can sell or items of special value
____ Address book
____ Phone card
____ Pictures of myself , my children and my partner
____ Change of clothes for myself and my children
____ Children’s favorite toys and/or blankets                      

Source: This material is based on a piece entitled "Creating My Safety Plan" by Marie Smith and Laura Kniaz, House of Ruth. It is used with permission.