Domestic Violence Action Plan: Taking Control of Your Safety
Domestic violence can impact anyone, regardless of gender, age, economic status, religion, etc. When it comes to keeping safe while in an abusive environment, Hope House suggests creating a personalized safety plan to maximize your safety in times of abuse. Hope House’s Domestic Violence Action Plan can help you develop strategies to stay safe while you're still with your abuser and after you leave.
Remember, your safety is the most important thing. Don't hesitate to call Hope House at (816-461-HOPE), to be connected with advocates who can help you make a safety plan.
What is a Safety Plan?
A safety plan is a personalized roadmap to help increase your safety. Safety plans can be created for a variety of situations, including at home, at work, and in public.
Tips for Creating a Safety Plan
Below are a few tips to keep in mind when creating your own safety plan.
- At Home: Identify a room in your home where you can go when situations start to escalate. Does the room have a lock on the door? Can you exit your home from that room? Can you hide a cell phone in that room that can be used to call 911? Is it possible to hide a set of car keys in that room? Also, consider having a code word that you can teach your children, so they know to retreat to the designated room.
- At Work and In Public: Make sure to inform a trusted co-worker or supervisor about your situation. Keep a record of the times you came to work with bruises or had to call in because of being assaulted. Ask your trusted co-worker or supervisor to screen your calls if necessary. It's also a good idea to come up with a code word that you can use to let them know that you need the police to be called.
- Preparing to Leave: Take important documents such as passports, Social Security cards, and birth certificates if possible. Hide these documents in the trunk of your car or give them to a trusted friend or family member to hold onto. Consider the Safe at Home Program as an option for your mailing address. If there are guns in the home, consider using a gun lock, unloading the gun, and storing the bullets separately from the gun.
- Safety While Leaving: Choose a safe time to leave, such as when your abuser is not at home. Take essential items with you, such as your ID, medications, and important documents. Identify a safe place to go, such as a family member's home, a friend's home, or a domestic violence shelter.
- After You Leave: Vary your routes to and from work and when taking the kids to and from school or church. Ensure that your safe family or friends know where you are going and when you will arrive. Have them call to check in on you and plan for them to call the police if they are unable to reach you. Consider increasing home security by changing your locks or adding cameras.
- With an Order of Protection: Keep your order with you at all times. Make extra copies to leave in your car, and give to your children's school or daycare. Report any violation to the police. Reach out to an advocate for assistance.
Leaving an abusive relationship is very dangerous and emotionally challenging. Some of these suggestions might work for some and not others. Just get out.
It can be emotionally challenging when leaving an abusive relationship. Reach out to a friend, family member, therapist, or Hope House’s 24/7 Hotline (816-461-HOPE) for support. Remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments to maintain your self-esteem.
Keeping Your Plan Safe
It is important to keep your safety plan safe and away from your abuser. Consider hiding it somewhere your abuser cannot access it. It is also important to memorize your safety plan if you cannot access it. If you have children, teach them key details of your safety plan, so when the time comes, they will be prepared.
To download a three page safety plan template, click here. This is a general template and should be modified to your specific situation. Hope House Advocates can also help create a personalized safety plan by calling 816-461-HOPE (4673).
Resources
Hope House 24/7 Hotline: 816-461-HOPE (4673)
Hope House Safety Plan Outline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Together we can build a brighter future.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone, no matter their gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, or sexuality. Hope House advocates for survivors, no matter where they are in their journey. Join us in creating a brighter tomorrow for survivors.
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24/7 Hotline 816-461-HOPE (4673)
PO Box 577
Lee's Summit, MO 64063