Creating A Safety Plan
Written by Brooke Hamel
A safety plan is a personalized, practical strategy designed to enhance an individual’s safety while experiencing abuse, preparing to leave an abusive situation, or after leaving. This plan includes vital information tailored to one’s unique circumstances, helping to prepare for and respond to various scenarios, such as informing friends and family about the situation, coping with emotions, and accessing resources suited to individual needs.
Key Components of a Safety Plan
- Identifying Safe Areas: Determine safe spaces in your residence with accessible exits, away from potential weapons. If arguments occur, try to move to these areas before they escalate.
- Accessible Communication: Keep a phone accessible at all times and know which numbers to call for help, including friends, family, local shelters, and hotlines like The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.SAFE (7233).
- Creating Excuses to Leave: Develop plausible reasons for leaving the house at different times, such as multiple trips to the grocery store or spending time with friends, to create opportunities to seek help or respite.
- Practicing Escape Routes: If possible, practice how to get out safely, including with others who may be living in the residence.
- Documenting Abuse: Keep records of abusive behaviors to help build a case and plan for safety if the abuser becomes aware of your intentions.
- Securing Weapons: If possible, keep weapons like guns and knives locked away and stored as inaccessibly as possible.
- Vehicle Preparation: Back your car into the driveway and keep it fueled. If possible, keep the driver’s door unlocked with the other doors locked for quick access.
- Involving Trusted Individuals: Inform trusted friends and neighbors about your situation. Develop a plan and visual signal for when you might need their help, and provide clear instructions on who to contact in moments of crisis.
Special Considerations
- Children: Teach children when, how, and who to contact during an emergency. Establish a code word for when to leave the house and identify a safe room they can go to when afraid. Instruct them to stay out of areas containing items that could be used to harm them, including kitchens and bathrooms.
- Pregnancy: Recognize that abuse can begin or escalate during pregnancy, making it essential to create a safety plan. Discuss your situation with healthcare providers, find prenatal classes that limit attendance to those giving birth, and avoid potentially dangerous areas in the home.
- Pets: Take steps to prove ownership of your pet, avoid leaving pets alone with an abusive partner, and talk to friends, family, or your veterinarian about temporary care for your pet if necessary.
Utilizing Technology for Safety
Mobile health (mHealth) technologies have emerged as valuable tools in safety planning. These apps provide discreet access to resources, allowing survivors to control their safety planning process. Features may include emergency contact buttons, location sharing with trusted individuals, and information on local shelters and services.
Cultural Considerations in Safety Planning
It’s essential to recognize that intimate partner violence disproportionately affects marginalized communities. Effective safety planning should be culturally informed, addressing the unique needs and potential barriers faced by survivors from diverse backgrounds.
Having a safety plan laid out in advance can help protect yourself and others in high-stress situations. For personalized assistance, contact The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.SAFE (7233).
Personalized Safety Plan Template
Use our safety plan template. Just copy and paste into a document and fill out your answers. Or The National Abuse Hotline has an interactive and printable plan at: https://thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/create-your-personal-safety-plan/
Name: _____________________________________
Date: ________________
Emergency Contact: ____________________________________
Local Shelter/Hotline: __________________________________
1. Safety Planning While Living with an Abusive Partner
- Identify safe areas in the home (rooms with exits, away from weapons):
- Who can I call for help? (Friends, family, hotline, local shelter)
- How can I create a reason to leave the house safely?
- Where will I keep my important documents and essentials?
- Where can I go in case of an emergency?
2. Safety Planning for Leaving
- When is the safest time to leave?
- How will I get out safely?
- Who can help me leave safely?
- What will I take with me? (ID, keys, money, documents, medication, clothes, etc.)
- Where will I go once I leave?
3. Safety Planning After Leaving
- Who needs to know about my situation?
- How will I protect my new location? (Change locks, use security systems, inform neighbors, etc.)
- Who can support me emotionally and physically?
- What legal steps do I need to take? (Restraining orders, custody agreements, etc.)
4. Safety Planning with Children
- Who can my children contact in an emergency?
- Where can they go if they need to leave the house?
- What code word will we use for emergencies?
5. Safety Planning for Custody Exchanges
- Where will custody exchanges take place? (Public places, police stations, etc.)
- Who can accompany me to exchanges?
- How will I minimize interaction with my ex-partner?
6. Safety Planning for Pets
- Who can temporarily care for my pet if needed?
- How will I prove ownership of my pet?
- What supplies will I take for my pet?
7. Emotional & Mental Health Safety Plan
- What helps me feel safe and calm? (Prayer, journaling, therapy, support groups, etc.)
- Who can I reach out to for emotional support?
- What affirmations or verses will encourage me?
8. Important Phone Numbers
- Emergency Services: 911
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 800.799.SAFE (7233)
- Local Shelter: ____________________________________
- Trusted Friend/Family Member: ____________________________________
Note: This safety plan is a personal document. Keep it in a safe place or with a trusted person who can assist you if needed.
References
National Domestic Violence Hotline. (n.d.). Create Your Personal Safety Plan. Retrieved from https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/create-your-personal-safety-plan/
Sabri, B., & Granger, D. A. (2018). Intimate partner violence and health outcomes: A review of the literature. Journal of Women’s Health, 27(3), 367-383.
Stockman, J. K., Hayashi, H., & Campbell, J. C. (2015). Intimate partner violence and its health impact on disproportionately affected populations, including minorities and impoverished groups. Journal of Women’s Health, 24(1), 62-79.
Murray, C. E., & Graves, K. N. (2012). Responding to family violence: A comprehensive, research-based guide for therapists. Routledge.
Note: This blog post incorporates information from reputable sources to provide a comprehensive overview of safety planning for survivors of intimate partner violence.
Written by Brooke Hamel
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