Creating a Safety Plan: Your Guide to Preparedness and Protection

A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that helps you navigate dangerous situations and remain safe if you’re in a relationship or environment where domestic violence or abuse is a concern. Whether you’re planning to leave an unsafe situation or trying to increase your safety while staying, having a plan can reduce the stress of decision-making in critical moments.

This guide will walk you through creating a step-by-step safety plan, mapping out key elements to ensure your protection and well-being.

What is a Safety Plan?

A safety plan is a proactive strategy designed to help you:

Protect yourself and your children in an emergency.
Safely leave an abusive environment.
Maintain your security while staying in the relationship, if necessary.
Address financial, legal, and emotional needs during and after leaving.

This is YOUR plan, tailored to your unique circumstances. It’s important to regularly review and update it to adapt to changing situations.

Steps to Creating Your Safety Plan

1. Assess Your Situation

Identify Patterns: Consider the behaviors or situations that lead to abuse or violence. Is there a time or trigger that increases the risk (e.g., arguments, substance use, financial stress)?
Evaluate Risk: Take note of weapons in the home, the abuser’s temper, and any threats made.

2. Plan for Emergencies

In an emergency, you may need to leave your home quickly.

Have a Go-Bag: Pack essential items and keep them in a safe but accessible location, such as at a trusted friend’s house. Include:
- Copies of important documents (ID, birth certificates, Social Security cards).
- Keys (car, house, work).
- Money (cash and cards).
- Medications, clothes, and basic toiletries.
Set a Code Word: Create a code word with trusted friends or family. Use it to signal when you need immediate help.
Know Exit Points: Familiarize yourself with all exits in your home and safe places to go.

3. Protect Your Digital Privacy

Secure Your Devices: Change passwords regularly and use a private browsing mode when researching resources.
Be Mindful of Tracking: Turn off location sharing on apps and devices. Check for tracking apps or devices planted by the abuser.
Create a Separate Email: Use a separate email address for communication with support services.

4. Establish a Support System

Identify Trusted People: Make a list of people you trust who can help in an emergency. Share parts of your plan with them.
Connect with Local Resources: Contact shelters, hotlines, and support organizations in your area. They can provide guidance, legal assistance, and temporary housing.

5. Plan for Your Children (if applicable)

Practice Safety Drills: Teach your children how to call 911 and identify safe rooms in the house.
Have an Emergency Plan: Decide on a meeting place if you’re separated.
Prepare Documents: Keep a copy of their birth certificates, immunization records, and school papers in your go-bag.

6. Prepare for Leaving

Leaving is often the most dangerous time in an abusive relationship, so planning is critical.

Secure Housing: Identify safe places to stay, such as with a trusted friend, family member, or shelter.
Save Money: Open a private savings account if possible, and set aside cash.
Arrange Transportation: Plan how you’ll get to safety (car, bus, or a friend’s ride).

7. Create a Safety Plan for Staying

If leaving isn’t immediately possible:

Choose a Safe Room: Identify a room in the house without weapons and with an exit.
Avoid Dangerous Areas: Stay away from places where the abuser could access weapons (like the kitchen).
Have a Backup Plan: Keep your phone charged and know how to contact emergency services.

Safety Map Template

Area of Concern	Action Plan
Emergency Contacts	List trusted people, shelters, and hotlines. Keep this information accessible.
Safe Locations	Identify places you can go (friend’s home, shelter, etc.).
Exit Strategies	Map out escape routes from your home. Practice them if possible.
Go-Bag Essentials	Pack documents, cash, keys, phone, medications, and clothes.
Communication	Establish code words with trusted individuals. Use secure devices.
Children’s Safety	Teach them emergency protocols, such as calling 911 and going to a safe place.
Digital Security	Change passwords, turn off location tracking, and use private communication methods.

Resources to Help You Create Your Plan

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233) | thehotline.org
DomesticShelters.org: Find shelters and resources in your area.
Mississippi Center for Violence Prevention: 800-799-7233 | mscvp.org

Creating a safety plan is a courageous and vital step toward reclaiming your life. Remember, you are not alone—help is available. Take your time, trust your instincts, and use these tools to protect yourself and those you love. With the right plan in place, you can take control of your future and move toward a life free from fear and harm.