Your safety plan
Understand the key points of a safety plan so you can build your own. Thanks to Sanctuary for Families for the text.
What is it?
A set of steps you can take to reduce the risk of physical and psychological harm by an abuser or a family member.
Why create one?
In an emergency and under stress, it’s hard to think clearly. Abusers try to keep control; a plan gives you back the power to make the safest decisions possible. Update it often, as circumstances change.
You are the expert
You know your situation better than anyone. Trust your instincts. If writing your plan down is risky, memorize it. You can also talk about it with someone you trust.
Your devices may be monitored.
If possible, use a computer or phone the abuser cannot access, directly or remotely. Email and messaging are not safe ways to talk about the danger you face: use the phone, or a device and account your abuser doesn’t know about.
Isolation
Restricted access to information
Escalating abuse
Harassment and cyberharassment
Financial abuse
As a parent
Prepare your plan with a counsellor.
Our counsellors and Fem’aide counsellors can help you build a plan suited to your situation, in complete confidentiality.