Safety Planning

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. Development of 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

Here are a few general safety plan tips:

1. Identify a variety of ways to get out of your home safely and practice your escape methods.
   • 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.
2. Pack a bag with medications, important documents, money, and keys and hide it.
3. Arrange a signal with neighbors to let them know when you need help.
4. Devise a code word to use with your children, grandchildren, friends, or others to indicate that you need the police.
5. Plan where you will go if you have to leave.

WomenSafe advocates are available to help you form safety planning strategies. Call the COPEline 888-285-5665.