SAFETY PLANNING

Making a Safety Plan

Leaving is often the scariest and most dangerous time of an abusive relationship. It is important to develop a safety plan. Safety planning focuses on the immediate needs of the victim(s) and addresses the level or risk for danger.

Developing a Safety Plan Should Include:

• Safety strategies and risk assessment during a violent incident

• Safety strategies to consider when leaving

• Safety strategies for daily living in a violent home

• Safety strategies on the job and in public

• Safety strategies for your mental health

• Safety strategies if drugs or alcohol consumption is present

• Safety strategies for the children

General Safety Plan Tips

• Identify a variety of ways to get out of your home safely and practice your escape methods.

• Pack a bag with medications, important documents, money, and keys and hide it.

• Arrange a signal with neighbors to let them know when you need help.

• Devise a code word to use with your children, grandchildren, friends, or others to indicate that you need the police.

• Learn how to shut off GPS tracking devices in cell phones and vehicles.

• Plan where you will go if you have to leave.

• During an explosive incident, try to stay in a room with access to an exit (except the kitchen).

• Try to stay in a room with a phone to call 911.

• Inform law enforcement if weapons are in the home.

WomenSafe advocates are available to help you form safety planning strategies. A printable worksheet is also available.  

To develop a personalized safety plan, call our 24-hour COPEline at 1-888-285-5665.