Safety Plan
Documents
If you take notes or get a brochure, keep those things private. Think about asking a friend or relative to keep them for you.
Identification
Make or get copies of important papers to keep safe: IDs, birth certificates, legal documents, etc.
Quick Escape Button
Click the yellow “Exit” button. Any time you use this website and need fast privacy, clicking the “quick escape” button will take you to the Google website.
Smartphones
Use your smartphone wisely by disabling features that could reveal your location, such as GPS, Wi-Fi, and social media apps. Consider obtaining a second, prepaid phone for your safety planning. Remember that it’s easy for someone to pick up your phone and access the call log, redial recent numbers, or review detailed phone bills. Stay vigilant and prioritize your privacy.
Computers
Use a secure computer, such as one at the library or a trusted friend’s, where you know no monitoring software is installed. This helps ensure that no one can look over your shoulder or access your computer to see the websites you visit or read your emails. Even if you delete your browser history and files, it's important to remember that traces of your activity could still be recoverable on a personal computer.
Recognizing domestic violence:
Domestic violence isn’t an argument every once in awhile or a fight that got out of control; it is a pattern of violent behavior that one person uses to exert power and control over another. Abuse isn’t always physical, it can also be: verbal, emotional, financial, sexual and even spiritual.
All relationships are different, but there are some red flags to look for:
- Controlling behavior – constant questions on who you spend your time with, what you did/wore/said, where you went
- Extreme jealousy and possessiveness
- Unpredictability and bad temper
- Quick romantic involvement
- Unrealistic expectations
- Isolation from family, friends, activities
- Blames others for problems
How to help a loved one
- Believe them
- Don’t blame them
- Help them begin to think about safety
- Refer them to La Casa, Inc.
- Continue to provide support
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender identity, disability status, education, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. It can happen to couples who are married, living together, or dating. Teen dating violence; violence within gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender relationships; violence against people with disabilities; and violence against deaf people of all identities are common scenarios, yet often overlooked. Learn more about Types of Violence and Abuse in Disability, LGBTQ+ and Native American Communities here.
If you are unsure if you or someone you know is in a violent or controlling relationship, or if you have questions about getting help, call our 24-hour HOTLINE at 1-800-376-2272 (Doña Ana County) or 575-546-6539 (Luna & Hidalgo Counties).