Due to heightened COVID-19 warnings, to include recommended government procedures that have been implemented to help reduce the spread of this virus, the Family Justice Center will be closed until further notice.
However, services will still be available via telephone during normal business hours - Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For further assistance, please call our main number at (3010780-8008, and an Intake Specialist will follow up with you.
IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, PLEASE CALL 911.
COVID-19
SAFETY PLANNING
Avoiding public spaces and working remotely can help to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but for many survivors, staying home may not be the safest option. Safety planning provides practical tips and strategies to help survivors remain safe while in an abusive relationship, planning to leave, or after leaving.
IF ISOLATED AT HOME WITH YOUR ABUSER:
Carry your ID, extra set of keys and any credit cards in phone case or another safe place on your person (pocket, bra, etc.) or nearby where it’s readily accessible.
Register for Smart911 so if you can’t speak, they know your address and are at risk (not available in all areas).
Stay connected with trusted friends or family if possible at set times/days, and if they can’t reach you, tell them to call for a welfare check.
Code words with trusted people that you can also tell to call police for a welfare check.
Make a signal with neighbors when you need help, such as one side of blinds lifted higher than the other.
Be responsible for “essential errands” such as grocery and pharmacy items to leave or access services (shut off any phone tracking).
Avoid wearing items around your neck (strangulation) and if confrontation escalates, stay away from kitchen and bathrooms (hard surfaces and items that can be used as weapons).
IF LEAVING YOUR ABUSER:
Pay attention to abuser’s daily routine to identify when there’s be a safe opportunity to escape.
Gather essential items to leave with while doing daily chores, like picking up laundry. Store these items in a bag/place the abuser doesn’t access.
Identify safe individuals you can stay with in case shelters are full.
Find reason to be outside and near the car (with children) to get fresh air, let kids run/play, etc.
Create work reason or essential errand to leave the home with children (i.e. heard store has toilet paper, food distribution, pick upchild’s assignment/computer from school).