Safety Planning
A safety plan is a personal plan that helps someone stay safe in a domestic violence situation. Every plan is different because it’s made to fit each person’s unique situation.
Safety plans can be created for people who are:
In an abusive relationship, including during violent or dangerous moments
Already out of the abusive relationship
Staying Safe in an Abusive Relationship
Safety at Home
Think about which areas in your home don’t have weapons like kitchen knives or firearms.
Know where the exits are—doors, windows, or other ways to leave quickly.
If things start to get tense or dangerous, move to a safer area with an exit and no weapons.
Getting Help
Decide who you trust and can talk to about your situation.
Plan how you could call or text for help quietly during a crisis.
Create a code word or phrase to use with your support person. Make sure they know what to do if you use it.
Save crisis line numbers in your phone under fake names so they don’t stand out.
How can you protect yourself financially?
Financial Protection
Try to save small amounts of money when you can.
Think about opening a private bank account your partner doesn’t know about, or hide cash in a safe place.
Have a reason ready in case your savings are found—like saying it’s for a child’s needs or holiday gifts.
If Children are Involved
If things become violent, don’t run toward your children. This could put them in more danger.
Teach your children that it’s not their job to step in during a dangerous situation—even if they want to protect you.
Make a plan with them about where they can go to stay safe, like a trusted neighbor’s house or a room with a lock.
Help your children learn how to recognize an emergency and call for help.
Make sure they know:
How to call 9-1-1
Which trusted adults they can contact
Your home address
Where to find important phone numbers
Preparing to leave
Creating a breakup plan
Leaving an abusive relationship can be very dangerous, so it’s important to plan ahead and think about your safety.
What Are the Safety Risks?
Think about what could happen when you leave.
Make a plan for different situations, like if the person gets angry, follows you, or tries to contact you.
Where Will You End the Relationship?
Public places are often safer, like a coffee shop or somewhere with people around.
Avoid ending the relationship at home if you think it could become violent.
What Will You Say?
Write down what you want to say.
Practice your words or make a script to help you feel more confident.
Keep it short and clear if that feels safest.
Who Can Support You?
Tell someone you trust about your plan.
Ask them to check in with you or be nearby if needed.
Plan where you’ll go after—maybe a shelter or a loved one’s home.
Do You Need New Housing?
Talk to a domestic violence advocate about emergency or long-term housing options
Ask if you qualify for early lease termination or other housing protections
How Can You Stay Safe Digitally?
Change your passwords (email, social media, banking, etc.)
Block them on social media and phone
Turn off or change location sharing settings
Remove shared devices or accounts if possible
Safety tips during a breakup
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Leaving can often be the most dangerous time in an abusive relationship. You do not have to end the relationship in person if it puts your safety at risk. You are allowed to leave without warning. If you do wish to end the relationship in person:
Try to do so in a public setting
Let your friends or family know your plan
Share your location, and what time they should check in with you
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Driver’s licenses
Passports
Birth certificates
Social security cards
Copy of protection order
Court orders (custody, child support, etc.)
Immigration documents
Health insurance
Vaccination records
Take photos or make copies of documents if you are unable to take the original documents.
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Extra clothes
Medications
Assistive or adaptive devices
Toiletries
Cash
Phone charger
Items for children
Items for pets
Comfort items
If you plan on staying at a domestic violence shelter they may have some basic essentials such as clothes and hygiene supplies. Reach out to LEVI if you need support creating a Go Bag or are without essentials.
Safety after leaving
Changing Contact & Online Info
Do you need to change your phone number, email, social media, or bank accounts?
This can help prevent unwanted contact or tracking.
Protecting Your Address
Are you worried they might find out where you live?
Be careful about where you share your address.
Use a friend’s address or a P.O. box for mail.
Ask LEVI if the Address Confidentiality Program is right for you.
Protection Orders
Do you have a protection order?
If yes, make sure your neighbors, workplace, and your children’s school know about it.
Keep a copy in your home, car, bag, or anywhere you might need it.
If you want to learn more about getting a protection order, contact LEVI for help.
Changing Your Routine
Do they know your daily schedule or places you often go?
If needed, change your routine—like where and when you go to the gym, grocery store, or work.
Try to take different routes to work, school, or home.
If possible, change the times you leave or arrive.
Who Should Know About Your Safety Concerns?
Tell people who can help keep you safe, like:
Childcare providers
Your workplace
Neighbors
Trusted friends or family
They can help watch for warning signs and report anything concerning to you or the police.
Home Safety
Do you need new locks, security cameras, or motion lights?
Talk to an advocate about financial help for safety items.
If you’ve reported a crime, a victim advocate with the police may also be able to help.
Keeping Children Safe from the Abuser
Make a plan with your child for what to do if the abuser:
Tries to contact them
Shows up at their school
Approaches them in public
If your child has a phone or device:
Teach them not to answer unknown calls or messages
Make sure location services are turned off
Block the abuser’s number if possible
Co-Parenting Safely
If you are co-parenting with the abuser, think about ways to make visits and exchanges as safe as possible:
Meet in public places
Have a trusted third person with you
Use a parenting app to communicate instead of texting or calling directly
Financial Support