In working with people in active domestic violence situations, safety planning is a critical step. Living in and possibly leaving a violent situation can be anxiety producing and cloud judgment and critical thinking. As a result, service providers will work with victims to map out key elements of their plan to ensure they maximize their safety. The safety strategy may be for situations that have escalated violently and/or a decision has been made to leave the relationship definitively.  These may include:

• route to take out of the house (including doors and windows)
• location of any weapons
• keys
• money
• important documents
• bank and credit cards
• medications
• telephone
• change of clothing, shoes
• toys, blanket for children
• family pet
• pet supplies
• transportation
• code words for children, neighbors
• calling list – natural supports who should know your location
• destination, albeit temporary (ex shelter, family or friends house)

Sometimes, victims prepare a bag and hide it so that they are not forced to gather essentials in the heat of the moment, using precious time which could mean the difference between life and death. Additionally, they may speak to children and/or neighbors in advance to let them know what to do if they hear certain words, loud voices, etc.

A safety plan also provides a victim with an opportunity to regain some sense of power and control through the creation of a structured framework. It infuses a highly emotional situation with focus and grounding, allowing the victim to plan vs react.

Here is an example of a safety plan in English and Spanish for review:

Click to access Personalized+Safety+Plan_English+2013.pdf

Click to access Personalized+Saftey+Plan_Spanish_2014.pdf