safety plan is a plan that is individually tailored to your personal needs. This plan will
include how to remain safe while still in an abusive environment, as well as a specifically
laid out plan how to safely leave and remain safe after you've left. It will also include
coping strategies for the emotional roller coaster you will encounter, as well as info on
how to inform family and friends of your abuse. It will also give advice and steps for
legal action that will be required, such as restraining orders, arrest and so on.
This safety plan needs to include all your vital information in written form. Some things
may seem obvious and trivial right now, but in the midst of the crisis, it's these things
that will become a blank in your mind. You can greatly reduce your stress level by
having a well documented and laid out plan in advance.
If you are still in the midst of the abusive relationship, there are some safety issues
to put into motion for your protection, and those of your children if you have any.
1. Know what your partner is capable of. This will help you assess the danger
and risks to you and your children.
2. Identify the area's in your home where your partner doesn't have access to
weapons, and where you can make a quick escape if needed. Try to stay in these
area's, especially during a fight.
3. Try to have a phone available to you at all times.
4. Memorize emergency numbers, friends, police, etc.
5. When fights erupt, keep your children at a distance for their protection.
6. If physically attacked, curl into a fetal position and protect your face and neck.
7. Establish a secret code word with your children that will serve as a signal for
them to leave the house and get help.
8. Practice an escape plan with your children just as you would a fire drill.
9. Keep an escape bag hidden which would include an extra set of car keys if you
drive, some emergency cash, ID's, contact phone numbers (shelters, doctor, lawyer
etc). If you have no place in the house to hide such a bag, find a trusted friend or
neighbor who you can leave it with.
10. Have several different stories ready to use for having to leave the house at
different times, day or night.
11. Let a trusted family member, friend or neighbor know what is happening.
Don't find yourself unprepared for what is ahead of you. Collect evidence of the
abuse such as pictures of your injuries. Journal all abusive incidences, including
the dates. It will become a "he said, she said" if you can't back up your claims.
These journals and pictures must be kept well hidden. If there is no place in your
home safe enough to hide them, leave them with a trusted family member or neighbor.
If you are injured you need to seek immediate medical attention. Try to find out
ahead of time about shelters, resources that will be available to you and laws that
will pertain your case. To be prepared is to be in control.
Your safety, and that of your children is paramount. If you are in immediate danger
and don't have a plan in place, don't wait, just do what your instincts tell you and get
out if you can and get help immediately. Call your nearest police detachment or 911.
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