What can you do prior to a violent incident?

• Know how to identify or recognize your partner's increasing pattern of violence so as to identify his/her danger levels.

• When possible, plan to leave before violence occurs and when batterer is not around to go to a safe place. Make arrangements with a trusted friend or a friend of a trusted friend who the batterer does not know to help you and/or your children. Ask them not to tell anyone.
• Notify a neighbor to be alert to strange noises and to call the police when this happens.
• If is is safe, get rid of all weapons in your home if your partner is nearing a violent stage or is in a  violent stage of the cycle.
• If you feel it is safe for her/him, teach your eldest or most responsible child to call the police giving your name and address if a violent incident is occurring. If you think this action would put your child in danger, teach them to go to a safe place.
• Know your local battered women's shelter number.  Gateway (Aurora and Arapahoe County) is 303 343-1856.  Our Crisis line is: 303-343-1851.
• Plan where you will go in an emergency or dangerous situation and consider telling your employer not to talk with your partner until he/she talks to you first, if you believe your partner may come to your workplace.

What can you do during a violent incident?

• Leave the physical presence of the batterer, if possible.
  • Leave the home and locate your escape items
  • Get to a room with a lock on the door and/or phone.
• Call the police "911" or your local shelter for battered women.
• If your child has been prepared, have him/her call the police.
• Scream so your neighbors can hear and so they will call the police.
• If you leave by car, lock your car doors immediately and do not unlock the doors until you arrive safely.
• If you can not leave, protect yourself to the best of your ability.
• Check yourself and children for injuries and go to the hospital if necessary.

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