Part 4 of 5
The Physical Plan
Decisions made in advance so nothing has to be decided in the moment
A rehearsed route, pre-chosen destinations, a signal, and a ready bag
0 of 5 steps
People and places, chosen now
Set a code word with one trusted person
A word or phrase you can text that means "I need help now" without saying so. Agree in advance exactly what they'll do when they see it.
Identify 2–3 possible safe destinations
A friend, family, a shelter. Deciding now means you never have to decide in the moment.
Timing and route
Notice the household's patterns
What times and days are most predictable? When is he reliably away? When are neighbors or others around?
Walk your route out — casually
Which door, which exit, where the car is parked. Practice it as part of normal movement around the house, never obviously.
The day-one bag
Pack a small bag for the first few days
A few days of clothes for you and any children, medications, chargers, one comfort item per child. Kept somewhere you can reach quickly but that doesn't look staged.
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