Here are some helpful items to get together when you are planning on leaving an abusive situation. Keep these items in a safe place until you are ready to leave, or if you need to leave suddenly. If you have children, take them. And take your pets, too (if you can).
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 passports
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 house deed
car title, registration, and insurance information
Funds
cash
credit cards
ATM card
checkbook and bankbook (with deposit slips)
Keys
house
car
safety deposit box or post office box
A way to communicate
phone calling card
cell phone
address book
Medications
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
