She should also make copies of important papers and keep one set in the bag and other copies should go to trusted friends or family. The copies should include birth certificates, financial and insurance information, social security card and any court orders. The client should also have extra sets of keys made to hide. If a volatile situation erupts, the victims should make every effort to leave the premises. In the alternative, the client should avoid the kitchen, bathroom, garage and other potentially dangerous rooms.
Some clients are reluctant to discuss domestic violence.
Even though astronomical numbers of abuse cases plague our society, a great many go unreported, ignored or undetected. Judge Thomas C. Dudgeon spoke at a seminar for Legal Secretaries and Paralegals at the DuPage County Bar Center addressing domestic violence and Orders of Protection. His remarks and handbook information are available at the Bar Center.