(from Catherine Clark Kroeger and Nancy Nason-Clark, No Place for Abuse: Biblical and Practical Resources to Counteract Domestic Violence (InterVarsity Press, 2001)
Safety
Are you frightened to return home?
Do you feel in danger?
In what way?
Have you ever called the police or considered calling the police?
Temporary Refuge
Do you have somewhere you can go with your children if you are too frightened to return home or if you need to flee in a hurry?
Do you know about the local transition house and the services they offer?
Do you have a way to get there if you need to?
Children
Do you have any particular concerns about the safety or welfare of your children?
What are they?
Support
Do you have people you can turn to when you feel you need to share what is happening in your life?
If you had an appointment with your doctor, a counselor or a lawyer, is there someone you could ask to come with you?
Practical Help
Are there some day-to-day tasks that are difficult for you to get done right now?
Do you have access to a car or transportation?
Is there someone you could leave the children with if you needed to be free of childcare responsibilities for a few hours?
Spiritual Help
Have you thought about how the church, our pastor or other Christian people could be helpful at this difficult point in your life?
Are there any specific spiritual needs that you wish someone could assist you with at this time?
Professional Help
Do you know whom to contact if you need legal help or a doctor’s care?
If you felt the need for help from a professional therapist, would you know how to get it?
Immediate Needs
Have you thought of developing a safety plan (important documents copied, extra cash, telephone numbers of agencies or contacts) in case you need to leave your home very quickly?
Can I help connect you to those in our church or our community who are trained to help women coping with life crises?
