While domestic violence spans virtually in all countries, cultures, classes and income groups, it is also complex and multifaceted. The solutions and escape routes need to be appropriate for each individual woman, in different socio-cultural contexts. Here are a list of safety plans that cover a wide variety of situations. Click below the links to check out the lists of safety plans:

While Still With Your Partner If you can, leave the situation until it has diffused. If an argument seems unavoidable, try to have it in a room or area that has access to an exit and not in the bathroom, kitchen, or anywhere near weapons Identify a neighbor you can tell about the violence and ask that they call the police if they hear a disturbance coming from your home Devise a code word to use with your children, family, friends and neighbors when you need the police Decide and plan for where you will go if you have to leave home (even if you don't think you will need to). If you have decided to leave, escape as soon as you can. Whenever you believe that you are in danger, leave your home and take your children, no matter the time of day or night. Go to a house of a friend or relative or a domestic violence shelter Use your own instincts and judgments. If the situation is very dangerous, do what is necessary to protect yourself and any children. Do not feel that you are not being "brave" or "courageous" by staying with your partner—you are engaged in safety management and survival tactics all the time, and you should trust yourself. Always remember: You don't deserve to be abused!

When Preparing to Leave Practice how to get out of your home safely. Identify which doors, windows, elevators or stairwells make the best escape routes Have a packed bag ready and keep it in an undisclosed but accessible place in order to leave quickly Leave money, an extra set of keys, copies of important documents and extra clothes with someone you trust so you can leave quickly Open a saving account in your own name in order to establish or increase your financial independence. Think of other ways in which you can increase your independence Determine who would be able to let you stay with them or lend you some money if you should need it Keep the Shanti Crisis Center hotline number close at hand and keep some change for making emergency phone calls. We will help you no matter what time of day or night If you must leave your children, recover them as soon as possible. Seek legal advice from a domestic violence agency such as PCVC Review your safety plan as often as possible in order to plan the best way to leave your batterer. Remember, leaving your partner can be dangerous, and you need to be prepared

Safety On Your Home If You've Left An Abusive Situation Change the locks on your doors as soon as possible. Buy additional locks and safety devices to secure your windows Create a safety plan with your children for when you are not with them Inform your children's school, day care, etc, about who has permission to pick up your children If you feel comfortable revealing this information, inform neighbors and landlord that your partner no longer lives with you and that they should call the police if they see him/ her near your home

Safety If You Have a Protective Order Keep your protective order on you at all time Call the police if your partner breaks the protective order Think of alternative ways to keep safe if the police do not respond right away Again, if you feel comfortable revealing this information, inform family, friends and neighbors that you have a protective order in effect

Safety On the Job and in Public Decide who at work you will inform of your situation--this includes office or building security. (If available, provide a picture of your batterer.) Screen your calls, or arrange for someone to screen them for you Devise a safety plan for when you leave work. If you can, have someone escort you to your car, bus, or train. Be aware of your surroundings when you leave your place of employment. Use a variety of routes to go home if possible. Plan for what you would do if something happened while going home

Your Emotional Safety If you have to communicate with your partner, determine the safety way to do so If you are thinking of returning to a potentially abusive situation, discuss an alternative plan with someone you trust Have positive thoughts about yourself and be assertive with others about your needs Identify people who you can talk with openly and turn to for advice and support. Remember, you are never as alone or isolated as you may think Plan to attend a women's or victim's support group for at least two weeks. This will help you develop a network of supportive people, and also help you learn more about yourself both within and outside the context of the relationship

If You Are a Teen in a Violent Dating Relationship Decide if there is a friend, teacher, or relative you can talk to Contact an advocate at the court to decide how to obtain a restraining order and make a safety plan Call our Shanthi Crisis Line +91-44-43111143

What you need to take when you leave Identification/ Driver's License Court orders, restraining orders You and your children's birth certificates Police report/documentation of abuse Money Lease rental agreement, house deed Bank books Ration Card (or Social Security card/Universal Identification card for NRIs) Checkbooks, credit cards Insurance papers House and car keys Medications Small saleable objects Address book Pictures Medical records for all family members School records/immunization records Work permits/ identification Green card Passport Divorce papers/ marriage license Jewelry Children's small toys Spare eyeglasses or contacts Your life as well as your safety and that of your children are more important than anything else. None of these items are as important as your lives.