We help survivors develop safety plans for their unique situations, and provide referrals to community services.
A safety plan is a practical guide that helps lower your risk of being hurt by your abuser. It includes information specific to you and your life that will help keep you safe. A good safety plan helps you think through lifestyle changes that will help keep you as safe as possible at school, at work, at home and other places that you go on a regular basis.
Decide now how you will escape more violence. Decide where you will go and how you will get there.
Plan to take what you need. Talk to a friend about your situation. Leave $10 or more, car keys, extra clothes and important documents with a neighbor or friend.
Tell those you can trust about the violence. Develop a code word that tells them you and your children need to get out. Ask them to call the police if they hear suspicious noises coming from your house. You can also ask the police to protect you while you gather your belongings to leave. If you have nowhere to go, call a shelter.
Always take you children with you. Let your children’s school know enough about your situation to respond supportively in a crisis.
Your safety and the safety of your children comes first! If necessary, leave with nothing. If you can’t leave safely, keep your back toward an open space, not a corner. Avoid the bathroom, the garage, the kitchen, and other places where there are weapons or sharp, heavy objects.
For more information about safety planning and other ways for you to be safe, please call our helpline at (808) 531-3771.