When you’re ready to leave a dangerous or potentially dangerous relationship, it can be hard to know how. A good starting point is a safety plan and a hidden go bag at the ready. But what should you pack in that go bag? There are so many things to think about when packing. Here are some items you might need for each person leaving.
The essentials:
- At least one month supply of medications
- Money
- Change of clothes
Important documents:
- Birth certificate
- Social Security cards
- Driver’s license/ID card/passports
- Ex parte or Order of Protection – you may want to give a copy of this to a trusted friend or neighbor.
- Divorce decree
- Lease/rental agreement/property deed/mortgage payment book
- Medical and vaccination records
- Insurance cards – medical and car
- School records
- Car title
- Immigration papers
- Work permits
- Records of police reports or other evidence of abuse
Other items include:
- Extra set of house and/or car keys
- Prepaid cell phone and charger
- Prepaid credit cards that cannot be traced
- Eyeglasses and a supply of contact lenses, if necessary
- Government benefits cards
- Jewelry or other small valuables that you can sell if necessary.
- Special toys for children
In addition to packing your bag, remember to keep your phone charged and your car full of gas. It’s also a good idea to work out a signal with your children and/or neighbors so they know when it’s time. Knowing that you’re prepared can give you peace of mind when that time comes. And we’re here to help you whenever you’re ready.
About GCFJC
The Greene County Family Justice Center is a non-profit collaborative of local agencies offering comprehensive services to survivors of domestic, sexual, and family violence. Our services are trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and we welcome survivors at any point in their process. We partner with local non-profit service providers as well as local law enforcement, the Prosecutor’s office, and Children’s Division to make victim services more accessible and completely voluntary. If you do not want to participate in the criminal justice process, we support you.
Our vision is a future where we all work together to meet the needs of domestic violence and human trafficking survivors through comprehensive and accessible services, education, and perpetrator accountability. Through a coordinated framework and co-located response, we strive to break the vicious generational cycle and community impact of domestic violence and resulting victimizations.
We can help you plan for your safety whether you plan to stay in the relationship, or you are actively trying to escape. All our services are free, confidential and survivor centered. Have questions about what services are available? Visit us at 1418 E. Pythian Street or give us a call at 417-874-2600. We are open 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For after-hours assistance, call the Harmony House/Victim Center’s 24-hour safe line at 417-864-SAFE (7233). If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.