SAFETY PLANNING
Safety can look different for everyone.
A safety plan is a personalized plan for what you can do, who you can contact, and where you can go if you feel unsafe.
You do not have to wait for an emergency to make one. A SAAP advocate can help you think through options.
Feeling unsafe right now?
Start with what you need in this moment.
Confidential support is available 24/7. 1-866-828-7273WHAT IS A SAFETY PLAN?
A safety plan helps you prepare before a difficult situation happens.
Safety planning means thinking through possible situations, identifying options, and deciding what steps could help you feel safer.
Your plan may include where you can go, who you can call, how you can leave, what you need to take with you, and how to protect your privacy.
Your plan can change as your circumstances change.
You know your situation best.
Not every safety strategy is right for every person. Choose the options that make sense for your circumstances.
IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER
Focus on getting somewhere safer.
If possible, move toward a place where other people are present, contact someone you trust, or call emergency services.
If calling is not safe, consider whether there is another way to alert someone you trust.
BUILD YOUR PLAN
Start with the questions that matter most.
You do not need to have an answer for everything. Even one or two prepared steps can help.
Where could I go?
Identify places where you could go if you needed to leave quickly.
- A trusted friend or family member
- A public location
- A workplace or campus office
- A shelter or other safe location
Who could I contact?
Choose people who would respond calmly and respect your choices.
- Trusted friend
- Family member
- Neighbor
- Advocate
- Law enforcement when appropriate
How could I leave?
Think through more than one way to leave a location if necessary.
- Drive yourself
- Ride from someone you trust
- Public transportation
- Rideshare
- Walk to a nearby safe location
What would I need?
Consider what items would be important if you needed to leave quickly.
- Identification
- Medication
- Keys
- Phone + charger
- Money or payment card
YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK
Identify people who can help if something happens.
A trusted person can be someone who listens, responds without judgment, and knows what you want them to do if you contact them.
You may want to tell them ahead of time what kind of help you might need.
Tell them how to respond.
For example:
CREATE A CODE WORD
A simple phrase can communicate a lot.
Choose a word, phrase, or emoji that means “I need help” without having to explain the situation.
Could mean: call me, come get me, or contact help.
TECHNOLOGY + DIGITAL SAFETY
Consider who may have access to your devices and accounts.
Technology can be used to monitor location, communication, passwords, or online activity.
Passwords
Consider changing passwords if someone else may know them.
Location Sharing
Review location sharing settings, family accounts, and connected apps.
Shared Accounts
Check shared email, phone plans, cloud accounts, calendars, and photo sharing.
Device Access
Review who has physical access to your phone, tablet, or computer.
Browsing
If someone may monitor your device, consider using a different device to research support or safety options.
Social Media
Review privacy settings, tagged posts, followers, and location information.
IF SOMEONE IS STALKING YOU
Your safety plan may need additional steps.
Stalking can include repeated unwanted contact, surveillance, showing up unexpectedly, monitoring technology, threats, or other behavior that causes fear or concern.
Consider telling someone you trust what has been happening.
- Keeping your phone charged
- Memorizing important phone numbers
- Changing routines when practical
- Using different travel routes
- Letting trusted people know what is happening
- Documenting incidents when safe to do so
- Keeping messages, screenshots, or voicemails
Keep records somewhere the person cannot access.
Documentation may be useful if you later decide to report or seek a protective order.
WHAT COULD I SAVE?
Keep what feels safe and manageable.
Examples may include screenshots, emails, voicemails, photos, dates and times, witness information, or written notes describing incidents.
You do not have to collect evidence if doing so would put you in more danger.
SAFETY AT HOME
Think about what could make your space feel safer.
Know Your Exits
Identify doors, windows, or other safe ways to leave.
Keep Important Items Accessible
Consider keeping your keys, phone, medication, and shoes somewhere you can reach quickly.
Tell Someone Nearby
A trusted neighbor may be able to watch for concerning behavior or respond to a code word.
Review Locks + Lighting
When possible, consider locks, outdoor lighting, cameras, or other security measures.
WORK + SCHOOL + CAMPUS
Your safety plan can include the places you go every day.
If you feel comfortable, consider identifying someone at work, school, or campus who can help if the person appears.
IF YOU MAY NEED TO LEAVE QUICKLY
Consider preparing essential items ahead of time.
Keep anything you prepare somewhere that cannot easily be found or accessed by the person you are concerned about.
Consider including:
CHILDREN
Include children in the plan when appropriate.
Depending on their age, children may be able to learn a code word, identify a safe adult, memorize a phone number, or know where to go during an emergency.
Their role should be to get themselves to safety, not intervene in a dangerous situation.
PETS
Pets may need a plan too.
Consider who could temporarily care for a pet, what supplies would be needed, and whether important veterinary records should be kept with other documents.
IF SOMEONE IS PRESSURING OR COERCING YOU
Your immediate goal can simply be getting somewhere safer.
You do not owe someone an explanation when you are trying to protect yourself.
If directly confronting the person feels unsafe, you can use an excuse, create an interruption, contact a trusted person, or leave the situation in whatever way feels safest.
“I don’t feel well.”
“I have to call someone.”
“Someone is waiting for me.”
“I need to use the restroom.”
YOUR PLAN CAN CHANGE
Revisit your safety plan when circumstances change.
A plan that worked six months ago may not work today. Changes in housing, work, school, relationships, transportation, technology, or the person’s behavior may affect your safety needs.
HOW SAAP CAN HELP
You do not have to build a safety plan by yourself.
A SAAP advocate can help you think through your circumstances and identify options that make sense for you.
EXPLORE MORE SUPPORT
What would be helpful next?
WANT HELP MAKING A SAFETY PLAN?
Start with a confidential conversation.
Tell us what is happening and we can help you think through your options.