VA Womens Health VA Womens Health

(703) 435-2555 Request Appointment

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Domestic Violence: Checklist of Things to Take When You Leave

Overview

If you want to save this information but don't think it is safe to take it home, see if a trusted friend can keep it for you. Plan ahead. Know who you can call for help, and memorize the phone number. Be careful online too. Your online activity may be seen by others. Do not use your personal computer or device to read about this topic. Use a safe computer, such as one at work, a friend's home, or a library.

Here are some helpful items to get together when you are planning on leaving an abusive situation. Keep these items with someone you trust 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

Things to take

Examples

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 deed to your home
  • Car title, registration, and insurance information
  • Records of police reports you have filed, or other evidence of abuse

Funds

  • Cash
  • Credit cards
  • ATM card
  • Checkbook and bankbook (with deposit slips)

Keys

  • Home
  • Car
  • Safety deposit box or post office box

A way to communicate

  • Contact information for friends or relatives
  • Cell phone
  • Personal laptop computer

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

Credits

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.