How to Create a Safety Plan

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, your safety is the most important priority. While every situation is different, having a safety plan can help you prepare for an emergency, reduce risk, and make informed decisions about your next steps. 

A safety plan is a personalised plan designed to help you stay as safe as possible while you are experiencing abuse, preparing to leave, or after you have left an abusive relationship. 

At Non Violentiam CIC, we understand that leaving an abusive relationship isn't always possible immediately. A safety plan is not about telling someone they should leave—it is about helping them stay as safe as possible, whatever their circumstances. 

What Is a Safety Plan? 

A safety plan is a practical guide that helps you think ahead about what you would do if you felt at risk. 

It includes important information such as: 

• Who you could contact in an emergency 

• Where you could go if you needed to leave quickly 

• How you could leave safely 

• What essential items you may need 

• Ways to protect yourself and your children 

A safety plan is unique to your situation and should be reviewed regularly as circumstances change. 

Why Is a Safety Plan Important? 

Domestic abuse can escalate quickly, sometimes without warning. Having a plan in place means you have already thought about some of the decisions you might otherwise have to make during a stressful or dangerous situation. 

A safety plan can help you: 

• Feel more prepared 

• Reduce panic during an emergency 

• Protect yourself and your children 

• Access help more quickly 

• Increase your confidence when making decisions 

Even if you never need to use every part of your plan, having one can provide reassurance. 

Step 1: Identify Safe People 

Think about who you trust and who could help if you needed support. 

This might include: 

• A close friend 

• A family member 

• A neighbour 

• Your GP 

• A support worker 

• A domestic abuse service 

If possible, choose people who understand your situation and who can be contacted quickly if needed. 

Step 2: Plan Where You Could Go 

If you needed to leave your home quickly, where could you go? 

This might be: 

• A trusted friend or family member's home 

• A safe temporary location 

• Emergency accommodation arranged through a domestic abuse service 

Avoid relying on places the abusive person would immediately think to look for you. 

Step 3: Prepare an Emergency Bag 

If it is safe to do so, prepare a small bag that can be collected quickly. 

You might include: 

• Identification documents 

• Passports 

• Birth certificates 

• Bank cards 

• Some cash 

• Mobile phone charger 

• Medication 

• Spare clothes 

• House and car keys 

• Children's essentials 

• Important legal documents 

Keep the bag somewhere safe, such as with someone you trust, rather than inside your home if there is a risk it could be found. 

Step 4: Keep Important Numbers Accessible 

Store important contact numbers somewhere easy to access. 

This could include: 

• Trusted friends or relatives 

• Your GP 

• School or childcare contacts 

• Your support worker 

• Emergency services 

If it is not safe to keep these in your phone, consider memorising key numbers or keeping them in a secure place. 

Step 5: Think About Your Home 

If an argument begins, try to move to an area where you can leave easily if necessary. 

Where possible, avoid rooms where there may be: 

• Knives or sharp objects 

• Heavy tools 

• Potential weapons 

• Limited exits, such as bathrooms or small storage rooms 

If you feel your safety is at immediate risk, leave as soon as it is safe to do so. 

Step 6: Plan for Your Children 

If you have children, include them in your safety planning in an age-appropriate way. 

This may involve: 

• Teaching them how to call for help in an emergency 

• Helping them memorise important phone numbers 

• Agreeing a safe place they can go if needed 

• Reassuring them that the abuse is never their fault 

Children should never be expected to intervene during abuse or put themselves in danger. 

Step 7: Protect Your Digital Safety 

Technology is increasingly used as a way to monitor and control survivors. 

Consider whether it is safe to: 

• Change passwords 

• Turn off location sharing 

• Check privacy settings on social media 

• Log out of shared devices 

• Use private browsing when seeking help 

If you believe your phone or other devices are being monitored, seek specialist advice before making significant changes. 

Step 8: Gather Important Information 

If it is safe to do so, keep copies of important documents and information, such as: 

• Identification 

• Financial records 

• Medical information 

• Children's documents 

• Legal paperwork 

• Details of any incidents of abuse 

Only do this if it does not increase your risk. 

Step 9: Have a Code Word 

Choose a code word or phrase that only trusted friends or family members understand. 

This allows you to discreetly let someone know that you need help without alerting the abusive person. 

Make sure everyone involved understands exactly what to do if they hear or receive the code word. 

Step 10: Trust Your Instincts 

You know your situation better than anyone else. 

If something doesn't feel safe, trust your instincts. 

Your safety plan should always be flexible enough to adapt if circumstances change. 

After You Leave 

Your safety plan should continue even after leaving an abusive relationship. 

You may want to think about: 

• Changing your daily routines 

• Updating your address where appropriate 

• Informing your workplace or children's school if necessary 

• Reviewing home security 

• Blocking unwanted contact where it is safe to do so 

• Continuing to access support services 

Leaving is an important milestone, but ongoing planning can help you feel safer as you rebuild your life. 

How Non Violentiam CIC Can Help 

At Non Violentiam CIC, we know that every survivor's circumstances are different. 

Our trauma-informed approach supports women and families by helping them: 

• Develop personalised safety plans 

• Access practical advice and support 

• Rebuild confidence and independence 

• Find safe accommodation and services where appropriate 

• Navigate life during and after domestic abuse 

You do not have to make these decisions alone. Support is available every step of the way. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a domestic abuse safety plan? 

A domestic abuse safety plan is a personalised plan that helps someone prepare for situations where they may be at risk. It includes practical steps to improve safety during, before or after leaving an abusive relationship. 

Should I have a safety plan if I'm not ready to leave? 

Yes. A safety plan is useful whether you are staying in the relationship, thinking about leaving or have already left. It is designed to help you stay as safe as possible, whatever your circumstances. 

What should be included in an emergency bag? 

An emergency bag may include identification, important documents, medication, money, keys, clothing, children's essentials and a phone charger. Store it somewhere safe if possible. 

Can someone help me create a safety plan? 

Yes. Specialist domestic abuse organisations can help you create a personalised safety plan that reflects your individual circumstances and needs. 

You Deserve to Feel Safe 

Creating a safety plan does not mean you have to leave immediately. It simply means you are preparing for your safety, whatever happens next. 

At Non Violentiam CIC, we believe every woman deserves to live free from fear and control. Whether you are looking for advice, practical support or someone to listen, you do not have to face domestic abuse alone. 

If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of someone you know, reaching out for support could be the first step towards a safer future.