A central Illinois domestic violence advocate is highlighting the planning process for victims who are both planning to leave a relationship but also those that are planning to stay in a relationship.

Andrea Kocher with Willow Tree Missions in Piatt County indicates often planning is focused on those that are leaving a relationship but she says if you plan to stay, there are plans you can put in place. It starts with being prepared for when a situation escalates and being aware of what room of the home you're in.

According to Kocher, victims can tell when things are building to a serious incident and can see the signs and warnings in real-time. Because of this, Kocher says you want to have a to-go backpack ready and strategically place certain every day items.

Kocher stresses for victims to have a plan of where they are going to go and how they plan to get there. She indicates transportation is always an issue for a victim.

Unfortunately, kids are often roped into these situations and Kocher says prepping your kids how to speak with 9-1-1 dispatchers and what they should do is important and often overlooked.

Kocher implores victims to contact Willow Tree even if they are planning to stay in a relationship. She says they want to make sure every woman is safe and having a plan can be very instrumental in ensuring that safety. 

Find Willow Tree Missions on Facebook, visit willowtreemissions.org or call 217-631-1018.

We'll hear more from Kocher on Regional Radio regarding planning for those that are leaving a relationship.