Safety
Planning

A safety plan is a personalized, practical strategy for reducing the risks associated with abuse. Your safety should always be a top priority – whether you’re in an abusive situation, are considering leaving, or have already left. Taking steps to protect yourself can give you a greater sense of control over your circumstances and minimize the risk of harm.

Our trained advocates can assist you in creating a personalized safety plan, however, here are some helpful considerations for you and your loved ones.

Ways You Can Start Safety Planning

Identify safe exits and trusted people who can help.
Have a code word or alert to signal when you need immediate help.
Keep emergency contacts and important documents ready.
Pack an emergency bag with essentials, including money and identification.
Avoid sharing your plans with the abuser.
Use a safe device for researching help and making calls.
Consider getting a protective order if needed.

Personal Safety

Both during and after leaving an abusive partner, it’s important to consider your personal safety even if you don’t feel you are at risk. These suggestions lessen the potential for confrontation or harm.

Keep your phone charged and carry it with you at all times.
Change your daily routine and routes to make it harder to be tracked.
Inform trusted friends or coworkers about your situation.
Talk to your employer about added workplace protections.
Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated areas.

Internet Safety

Technology can be a lifeline for survivors, but it can also be used as a tool for control and surveillance by abusers. Protecting your online privacy is essential to ensuring that your research, communication, and personal information remain secure.

Use incognito mode or clear browsing history regularly.
Avoid using shared devices for private searches or communication.
Change passwords frequently and use strong, unique ones.
Be cautious about sharing your location on social media.
Log out of all accounts when finished.
Use any “quick exit” buttons like the one in our upper right corner.

Safety at Home

Ensuring your home is a safe space is vital for preventing harm and regaining a sense of control. If you are still living with an abusive individual, small changes can make a difference in reducing the risk of harm. For those who have left, additional precautions can increase your safety.

Change locks and install security measures if possible.
Keep emergency contacts easily accessible.
Create a code or alert to signal a neighbor to call for help.
Inform trusted neighbors or family members of your situation.
Secure windows, doors, and any entry points.
Keep legal protection documents in a safe place.
Have an exit plan in case of emergency.

Safety at School

For survivors with children, school safety is a major concern. Abusers may try to use children as leverage or attempt to make contact through schools. Informing school staff and implementing safety measures can help protect children and ensure their well-being.

Notify school staff about any custody or protective orders.
Arrange alternative pick-up plans if needed.
Keep emergency contact information updated.
Teach children what to do if approached by the abusive individual.
Ensure school personnel are aware of who can and cannot pick up the child.
Monitor children’s social media and online activity for safety.

Checklist of Items When Leaving

Leaving an abusive situation can be stressful. It may not be possible to take everything. Planning ahead can make this process safer and smoother. Having essential items ready provides quick access to critical documents, resources, and contacts – ensuring a safer, more successful exit.

Items To Have Ready Before Leaving:

Identification documents (driver’s license, passport, birth certificates, social security card).
Financial resources (cash, credit/debit cards, bank information).
Medications, prescriptions, and medical records.
Important phone numbers and legal documents (restraining orders, custody agreements).
Clothing, personal hygiene items, and comfort items for children or pets.
Copies of keys for home, car, and work.
Only if you can do so safely, ask a loved one to hold onto meaningful personal items.