A personal safety plan is a personalized, practical strategy for increasing safety while experiencing domestic violence or abuse. Safety plans address multiple scenarios: while living with an abusive partner, during an escalating incident, when planning to leave, and after leaving.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Recognize warning signs of escalation — Identify patterns and triggers that precede violence (specific arguments, alcohol use, stress events). Recognizing these allows you to take action before the...
- Identify safe rooms in your home — Avoid rooms with only one exit (bathrooms), rooms with weapons (kitchens, garages), and rooms with hard surfaces. Identify rooms with multiple exits, a phone, and...
- Plan your exit route — Practice how to get out safely. Identify which doors, windows, elevators, and stairwells to use. Know multiple routes. If you have children, plan how to get them out with you.
- Prepare an emergency bag — Hide a bag with cash, extra keys, IDs (driver's license, passport, Social Security card), birth certificates, important documents, medications, a change of clothing, and ...
- Secure your finances — Open a personal savings account at a different bank. Set aside small amounts of money over time. Keep copies of financial documents (tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements).
- Build a support network — Tell at least one trusted person about the abuse. Give them a code word that means "call 911." Identify people who will let you stay with them in an emergency. Connect wit...
- Protect your communications — Use a private or prepaid phone for safety-related calls. Clear browser history and use private browsing mode when researching DV resources. Be aware that abusers may m...
- Create a safety plan for children — Teach children to call 911 and state their address. Establish a safe word that means "go to the neighbor's house and call for help." Do not instruct children to ...
- Document the abuse — Keep a log of incidents (dates, descriptions, injuries, witnesses) in a safe location outside the home. Photograph injuries. Save threatening texts and voicemails. This documen...
- Obtain legal protection — Contact a local DV organization or legal aid for help obtaining a protective order (restraining order). Many courts have victim advocates who assist with the process.
Common Mistakes
- Writing the plan where the abuser can find it
- Telling the abuser you are planning to leave
- Returning for belongings
- Isolating yourself
- Blaming yourself
Pro Tips
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) is available 24/7 in ...
- Many DV organizations provide free legal assistance, emergency shelter, trans...
- Address Confidentiality Programs (available in most states) provide a substit...
- If you need to leave immediately and have no plan, go to the nearest police s...
- Protective orders are available in every state and can be obtained without an...