Creating a Safety Plan for Domestic Violence: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide
- Jenni Leeds
- Jun 8
- 3 min read
If you're living with domestic violence, you already know how quickly things can shift—how hard it can be to feel safe, even in your own home. You don't have to figure this out alone. A safety plan is simply a set of steps, shaped around your life and your situation, that can help you feel more prepared when things feel uncertain. In the guidance that follows, we'll walk through practical, doable ways to protect yourself and the people you love, and to be ready if an emergency comes.
Understand What a Safety Plan Is
A safety plan is a personalized, practical strategy designed to help you stay safe while living with or leaving an abusive situation. It includes steps to protect yourself during a crisis and ways to prepare for possible emergencies. This plan is flexible and should be updated as your circumstances change.
Identify Safe Areas and Escape Routes
Start by looking around your home and other places you frequent. Identify rooms with:
No weapons or sharp objects
Easy access to exits
Locks on doors and windows
Avoid rooms like kitchens or bathrooms where there might be dangerous items. Plan at least two escape routes from each room. Practice these routes mentally or physically if possible.
Prepare an Emergency Bag
Keep a small bag packed with essentials in a safe, accessible place. Include:
Identification documents (ID, birth certificates, passports)
Money and credit/debit cards
Keys (house, car, office)
A charged cell phone and charger
Important phone numbers written down
Medications and prescriptions
A change of clothes and personal hygiene items
Any items needed for children or pets
Having this bag ready can save precious time if you need to leave quickly.
Create a Support Network
Identify trusted people you can reach out to in an emergency. This might include:
Close friends or family members
Neighbors who can help or call for assistance
BRASS, Inc. or other domestic violence hotlines
Share your safety plan with them if you feel comfortable. Arrange signals or code words to alert them discreetly if you need help.
Plan How to Communicate Safely
Abusers may monitor phone calls, texts, or emails. Use safe methods to communicate:
Use a trusted friend’s phone or a public phone
Clear call history and messages regularly
Use code words or phrases to signal danger
Set up a separate email or social media account that the abuser does not know about
Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone under a different name or code.
Know Your Legal Rights and Resources
Learn about protective orders, restraining orders, and other legal protections available in your area. Contact us for guidance on:
How to file for a protective order
Accessing legal aid or counseling services
Finding emergency shelters or safe housing
Having this information ready can help you act quickly when needed.
Plan for Children and Pets
If you have children or pets, include their safety in your plan:
Teach children how to call emergency services
Prepare a bag for children with essentials and comfort items
Identify a safe place for pets or someone who can care for them
Keep vaccination and medical records for pets in your emergency bag
Children and pets often depend on you for safety, so their needs are critical.
Practice Your Plan Regularly
Review your safety plan often and update it as needed. Practice escape routes and rehearse what to do in different scenarios. This can help reduce panic and increase confidence during a crisis.
Use Technology Wisely
Technology can help but also pose risks. Consider:
Installing a safety app that can alert trusted contacts
Using a phone with GPS tracking only if it feels safe
Avoiding sharing your location on social media
Keeping your devices password protected
Always weigh the risks and benefits of technology in your situation.
Trust Your Instincts and Prioritize Your Safety
Every situation is unique. Trust your feelings and instincts about what feels safe. If something doesn’t feel right, adjust your plan. Your safety is the priority, and no plan is perfect. The goal is to increase your chances of staying safe and getting help when needed.
Building a safety plan is a powerful step toward protecting yourself and those you care about. It takes courage to prepare for emergencies, but having a clear plan can provide strength and clarity in difficult moments. Reach out to us any time for additional help, and remember that you are not alone.
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