What is a safety plan?
A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan to improve your safety while experiencing abuse, preparing to leave an abusive situation, or after you leave. This plan includes vital information tailored to your unique situation and will help you prepare for and respond to different scenarios, including telling your friends and family about your situation, coping with emotions, and various resources suited to your individual circumstances.
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Some of the preparations for a safety plan might seem obvious, but it can be hard to think clearly or make logical decisions during moments of crisis. Having a safety plan laid out in advance can help you protect yourself and others in high-stress situations.
Our safety planning resources outline important information to keep in mind while creating a safety plan. It may be useful for survivors, friends, family members, or others — anyone concerned about their safety or the safety of someone else.
Create A Safety Plan Checklist
Create a safety plan checklist to ensure that essential steps to find safety in dangerous situations are being followed. Checklists help avoid distractions by compelling you to create the tasks that are only on the checklist, and they save time because the steps are written in order and are easy to follow.
Consider these questions when developing your own safety plan:
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Are you able to confide in a trusted source — a friend, family member, or neighbor?
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Is it possible to avoid areas or locations that make you feel unsafe?
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Where in your neighborhood could you go during an emergency?
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Is there a list of phone numbers you need to memorize in the event of a crisis?
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Do you have children to include in your safety plan?
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Do your children know where to go in case they witness violence?
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Do you need to have a safety plan in place for work or school?
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Is your safety plan stored on a computer or smartphone?