Show All Answers

1. Locks

If the defendant or defendant's friends or family has keys to your home or vehicle, consider having your locks changed.  If you do not currently have locks on your home, investing in locks may be an option to consider.  Always lock your vehicle whether at home, around town, and even when you are out of the area.

2. Protection Orders

You may wish to seek a protection order against the defendant. Protection orders prohibit the respondent from contacting the petitioner either themselves or through a third person. For more information or to obtain a protection order, contact the Grant County Clerk's Office at the Grant County Court House or call 754-2011 ext. 2810. Always keep a copy of the order with you and report every protection order violation to law enforcement.

3. Cell Phones

Did you know that any cell phone can call 9-1-1 in case of emergency? Even if you have a cell phone with no paid coverage plan, it can still be used. Keeping a charged cell phone on your person always ensures that you can contact emergency services if necessary. Keep emergency numbers in your cell phone so that you

Call if You Can, Text if You Can’t.

Hearing and speech impaired individuals benefit from Text-to-911, as do those who may find themselves in a situation where they cannot make a voice call, such as a home invasion or domestic abuse situation. Additionally, during a major weather event, the voice pathways for cell phones can become jammed, but oftentimes texts can get through.

Use Text-to-911 if:

• Unable to speak due to an emergency such as a home invasion or abusive partner
• Hearing or speech impaired

IMPORTANT!

If you are using Text-to-911 because you are trying not to be heard, remember to silence your cell phone.

For more information about Text-to-911 within Grant County, Wa, see Text-to-911 within Grant County at Macc911.org.

4. Awareness

Remain aware of your surroundings. If you notice something unusual, get help. For example, if you notice while driving that you are being followed, do not go home. Instead, drive to a police station or to another safe place. If you have a cell phone, call law enforcement or someone you trust.

5. A Safe Place

Arrange for a safe place to go if you feel you are in danger. This may be with a friend, neighbor, relative, or shelter. If possible, it should be a place that the defendant is not familiar with. Have extra clothes for yourself and your children at your safe place or store clothes in a place where you can get them if needed.

6. Money

Always keep a moderate amount of money available to you. If the defendant has access to your bank accounts or credit cards, create separate accounts at least temporarily. If you suspect the defendant may abuse access to your accounts, close or freeze the accounts.