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:

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

  • 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

    • 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.

    • 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

  • Did the relationship provide financial support you now need to replace?

    • Talk to an advocate about programs like:

    • Ask about local food banks, utility help, and other community resources.