Safety Planning
Developing a Safety Plan is Key
If you are thinking of ending an abusive relationship, it’s important for you to know that there’s a chance the abuser will become more violent. For this reason, it could be helpful to think through options within your specific situation to keep you and your children safe. Creating a safety plan involves identifying action steps to increase safety and to prepare in advance for the possibility of further violence. DVSCP has trained advocates who can help you create a safety plan.
When Violence Breaks Out
- Move away from the kitchen, dining room or any place in the home where there are sharp, dangerous objects.
- Plan the easiest escape – decide on a door or window where you can exit the home quickly and safely.
- Memorize all important telephone numbers.
- Establish a code word or sign so that family, friends, neighbors, teachers, or coworkers know when to call for help.
If You Decide To Leave Your Partners, Plan For Safety
- Put some money away, even if you can only save a little every week.
- Make copies of important documents and put them in a safe place. Some important items are birth certificates, legal papers, photo IDs, driver’s license, etc.
- Keep a secret cell phone, charged but turned off hidden.
- Plan for how and when can you most safely leave and where you will go.
- Know the number of your local shelter (DVSCP’s 24/7 toll free call of text hotline number is 1-800-852-2102).
Ways To Stay Safe On Your Own
- Change the locks on your doors.
- Learn about your legal rights.
- Tell neighbors, friends, school, landlord, or coworkers that your partner no longer lives with you and show them a photo so they know who to look for.
- Keep a safety plan for coming and going from home, work, and children’s school. Make sure you teach your children about your safety plan.
- Plan ways to get away if your batterer shows up.
- If you must meet your former partner, do it in public.
- Vary your routine so that the abuser is not able to predict your whereabouts fully.