Developing a safety plan is crucial for anyone contemplating leaving an abusive partner. This plan assists survivors in outlining strategies to ensure their safety, as well as the safety of their children and pets, whether they need to escape during an incident of violence temporarily or are preparing to leave their abuser permanently.
Have these names and numbers written down and easily accessible.
• Local Police Department
• Domestic Violence Hotline
• Trusted Friend/Relative
Identify a safe place to go in case of immediate danger (e.g., neighbor’s house, relative’s home).
• Safe Address: [Address]
• Directions to Safe Location: [Brief Directions]
Pack essential items including:
• Identification and important documents (e.g., birth certificates, Social Security cards)
• Money and credit cards
• Medications and medical supplies
• Spare keys (house and car)
• Cell phone and charger
• Basic clothing and toiletries
Develop a plan for a quick and safe exit:
• Identify exits and escape routes from home.
• Have a packed bag ready and in a predetermined location.
• Practice leaving quickly.
• Install security devices (e.g., deadbolts, peepholes).
• Consider changing locks and using security alarms.
• Designate a room with a lock on the door and a phone.
• Plan how to get to this room quickly if needed.
• Inform trusted neighbors and friends about your situation.
• Establish a signal or code word to alert them if you need help.
• Inform your employer or HR department about your situation if you feel safe doing so.
• Develop a plan for leaving work quickly if necessary.
• Inform school officials and teachers about your situation if applicable.
• Provide emergency contact information to the school.
• Apply for a restraining or protective order if appropriate.
• Keep a copy of the order with you at all times.
Have the name and phone number for these handy:
• Attorney Contact
• Legal Aid Organization
• Inform trusted neighbors and friends about your situation.
• Establish a signal or code word to alert them if you need help.
• Open a separate bank account in your name only.
• Keep some cash and credit/debit cards in a secure place.
Plan for access to emergency funds (e.g., savings, financial assistance programs).
Have names and numbers ready:
• Counselor/Therapist
• Support Group Contact
Develop strategies for self-care and stress management.
Identify safe and trusted caregivers for your children. Inform caregivers of the situation and how they can assist in an emergency.
Inform your child's school of any safety concerns and provide a list of authorized pick-up persons.
Update passwords regularly and use strong, unique passwords. Ensure privacy settings on social media are set to restrict access.
Consider using a secure phone or device if your current one is being monitored.
Document any incidents of abuse, including dates, times, and details. Keep a record of any communications with the abuser.
Address any specific needs or concerns you have.
An effective safety plan involves tailored strategies to ensure your children’s safety both at home and during any unsupervised time with your partner. This includes discussing age-appropriate safety measures with your children for times of violence, as well as remembering important details and items to prepare both when leaving an abusive situation and afterward.
Pregnancy is a time of significant change accompanied by intense emotions, both positive and negative, which often requires additional support from those around you. Relying on emotional support from a partner and, if needed, financial assistance to prepare for the baby is natural. However, if your partner is emotionally or physically abusive, this transitional period can become especially challenging and hazardous. Abuse may start or worsen during pregnancy, making it crucial to establish a safety plan.
Doctor’s visits can be an opportunity to to discuss your situation and environment. If your partner goes to appointments with you, try to find a moment when they are not present to ask your doctor, nurse or front desk associate to help you by providing an excuse for them to talk to you alone.
Pregnancy increases the risk during violent situations. If you live in a home with stairs, it’s safer to stay on the first floor to reduce the risk of injury. If you find yourself in a situation where escaping is not possible, curling up in the fetal position and shielding your stomach with your arms can offer some protection for both you and your baby.
If you think you are in an abusive relationship, need emergency shelter because of your violent partner or have been sexually assaulted, you can call EPEC 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our hotline is completely confidential. You do not have to give your name to the operator if you don’t want to.