By Katlyn Miller, Development Associate - Manager of Communications & Media Strategy
Creating a safety plan is a crucial part of many survivors’ healing processes. It’s exactly what the name implies: it’s an outline of ways for survivors to stay as safe as possible around their abusers and/or if they choose to leave their abuser. Whether this blog is helpful to you or a loved one, read on to learn more about how to create a safety plan.
What is a safety plan?
A safety plan is a set of actions that can help lower a survivor’s risk of being hurt by their partner. It includes information specific to the survivor and their situation that will increase their safety at school, home, and other places they go on a daily basis.
What should I include in a safety plan?
Everyone’s safety plan will look different based on their unique situation and what they choose to be the safest options for them. Some examples of information to include when safety planning include:
- Detailed plans in case of dangerous situations or changes in the relationship, such as breaking up
- List of safe friends and safe places to go to in case of emergency
- Local domestic violence organizations, resources, and information on their legal rights and services available to them
- Code word between trusted loved one(s) that will discretely alert them when the survivor is in danger and needs to enact the safety plan
- Pack and hide an emergency bag with things such as cash, bank cards, ID cards list of important phone numbers/addresses, etc. in case you need to leave quickly
- Transportation and housing plans if you decide to leave the home where the abuser lives
- Outline safe and dangerous areas of the home and try to avoid being in more dangerous zones with the abuser present (i.e. The kitchen may be dangerous because of knives, so the survivor can move into a different room with an outdoor door or windows in case they need to exit quickly)
We hope these tips can help you or a loved one with any safety planning you may need, and please feel free to share this blog with someone who may need it.
At MSP, our counselors and advocates provide clients with guidance in safety planning alongside the various forms of supportive services we offer. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, call our 24/7 free and confidential hotline for support at 1-800-298-7233 (SAFE).