If your abuser violates the protection order, it is important that you call the police and report the incident. You may be required to show the protection order paperwork to the police. The order will be enforced if the police are aware that there is a violation.

Developing a safety plan may help lessen the possibility of danger or harm to you or your children. However, a safety plan is not a guarantee that you will be safe.  It is important to consider all the dynamics of the relationship and information you know about the abuser. Furthermore, it is important to share your safety plan with your children, family members, friends and neighbors. Do not tell your abuser about your plan to leave.

If you are planning to leave:

Prepare a bag with the following items and store it where you can grab it and go or you can store the bag with someone you trust.

Items to pack and reminders:

• Marriage and driver’s license
• Birth certificates
• Cash, checkbook, credit and debit cards, car title and mortgage payment book
• Social Security cards, work permits, passports, and green cards
• Divorce, custody, protection from abuse or restraining order paperwork
• School and health records
• Keys (house, car, office, friends), cell phone and a charger
• Medications, glasses and hearing aids
• A change of clothes plus extra underwear and socks
• Personal items (toys for the children, address book, jewelry, Mace spray)
• Other important family documents or possessions

Remember to:

• Open a personal savings account and rent a post office box
• Have your mail forwarded
• Have a planned route to exit the house

If the abuser does not live with you:

• Contact your local police and request extra patrol.
• Change the locks on the doors and check windows for easy entry.
• Consider a security service, window bars or increased outside lighting.

If the abuser is present and an abusive incident occurs:

• Move to a room with an exit.
• Stay away from the kitchen where sharp utensils can be used as weapons.
• Move to a room with a phone or where you can safely call 911.
• Grab your packed bag of essentials for yourself and your children.
• Identify and use a code word to let family and friends know to call 911.
• Know your destination after you leave the house.

If you choose to stay or return:

• Tell a neighbor, family and friends to call the police if they believe you are in danger. Share your code      word with them so you can call or text them to call the police without the abuser knowing.
• Program emergency phone numbers into your phone.
• Keep a packed bag of your essentials ready in case you need to leave quickly.

As part of the safety plan:

• Teach your children a code word. Show them when and how to call 911. Reassure them that it is proper to call the police when they are scared.
• Inform the schools and daycare who has permission to pick the children up. Provide them with a copy of the protection or restraining order. If possible, provide them with a photograph of the abuser.
• Choose a public place when complying with a visitation order.

If you feel it is safe:

• Inform your supervisor about your situation and if you have filed a Protection from Abuse Order. Discuss safety precautions at the workplace.
• Contact security and provide them with a photograph of the abuser.
• Provide your supervisor and/or co-workers with a code word to alert them when to call the police.
• Screen your calls.
• Make a safety plan for when you arrive and when you depart from work. Try to take various routes to and from work.
• Request an escort to your car, if available.
• If you and the abuser work at the same company, discuss possible changes to your work schedule.

Safehome is the local domestic violence shelter in Johnson County, Kansas. Safehome provides a 24-hour Hotline, a safe and confidential place to stay, counseling, court advocacy and legal services. The Safehome staff can offer information to assist in answering questions you may have concerning your immigration status.

Safehome – please call 913-262-2868 or 1-800-799-SAFE. (7233)

Kansas Legal Services, is a statewide non-profit corporation that is devoted to helping low income Kansans meet their basic needs through the provision of important legal and mediation services. Kansas Legal Services will refer a lawyer that is knowledgeable about domestic violence to discuss custody, visitation and divorce provisions to protect you and your children.

Kansas Legal Services – please call 913-621-0200 for referrals.

Disclaimer: Please make sure that you note the following important information. The only forms that are accepted to apply for Protection from Abuse and Protection from Stalking, Sexual Assault or Human Trafficking Orders are the ones provided by the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office.

The District Court Help Center – available 8:00AM to 5:00PM in person, by phone 
(913) 715-3385 or via e-mail at DCC-Helpcenter@jocogov.org. The Help Center provides Valuable information, forms and computer access for anyone needing or thinking about requesting Protection Orders .