Creating a Safety Plan for Domestic Violence: Practical Steps for Different Situations

Quick Summary: A strong safety plan covers your trusted contacts, important documents, financial access, safe exits, and code words you can use to signal danger. Your plan should adjust to your unique situation—whether you live with the abusive person, share children, live in a rural area, or have limited transportation options. Below is a step‑by‑step guide designed to help you stay safer in the moment and prepare for long-term safety.

SAAFE House in Huntsville, TX provides free, confidential support for anyone impacted by domestic violence across Walker, Trinity, San Jacinto, and Polk counties. If you need help building a personalized plan, their advocates are available 24/7. Learn more at saafehouse.org/services/family-violence.

What Is a Safety Plan?

A safety plan is a personalized set of steps to help you stay safer during dangerous moments, prepare to leave if that becomes possible, and protect yourself after leaving. It’s not a single document—it's a flexible strategy that changes as your situation changes.

Key Components of Any Safety Plan

• Trusted contacts: Identify at least one person you can call, text, or signal during emergencies.
• Important documents: Keep or hide copies of IDs, birth certificates, legal papers, medical cards, and school records.
• Finances: Create access to cash or an emergency fund, even small amounts.
• Safe exits: Know the fastest way out of your home and any alternative routes.
• Code words: Choose a simple phrase that alerts family, children, or friends to act.

Safety Planning When You Live Together

• Identify the safest room in the house—preferably one with an exit and no weapons.
• Keep a “go bag” hidden or stored with someone you trust.
• Practice code words with children to signal them to go to a safe place or call for help.
• Back into parking spaces when possible so you can leave quickly.

Safety Planning When You Share Children

• Talk to children about safety without placing responsibility on them.
• Keep school staff or daycare providers aware if there are custody concerns or protective orders.
• Plan safe pick‑up and drop‑off locations, ideally public and well-lit.
• Document any threats, injuries, or violations of custody orders—store copies with a trusted person.

Safety Planning in Rural Areas

• Plan around longer emergency response times—know neighbors who can help quickly.
• Identify safe places you could go during an emergency, such as gas stations or public buildings.
• Keep your phone charged; consider portable battery packs.
• If roads are isolated, plan alternate routes or meeting points.

Safety Planning with Limited Transportation

• Store rideshare apps or taxi numbers if available in your area.
• Arrange backup transportation with trusted friends or coworkers.
• Keep comfortable shoes and essentials hidden so you can leave on foot if needed.
• If public transportation is available, plan which routes are reliably open.

If You Can’t Leave Yet

Leaving is not always possible or safe right away—and that’s okay. While you prepare, consider the following:

• Charge your phone and keep it accessible at all times.
• Gather small amounts of cash and hide them in different locations.
• Make copies of documents and store them outside the home.
• Avoid rooms where weapons are kept during arguments.
• Tell a trusted friend to check in with you regularly.
• Create a nightly or weekly safety routine—locking doors, checking windows, keeping keys accessible.

After You Leave

• Consider changing locks, passwords, and phone numbers.
• Update privacy settings on social media and turn off location sharing.
• Inform workplaces, schools, and neighbors about potential safety concerns.
• Save screenshots of any harassment or contact attempts.
• Work with advocates to create a long‑term emotional and financial recovery plan.

You Are Not Alone

If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence in Walker, Trinity, San Jacinto, or Polk counties, SAAFE House is here to help. Their confidential services include emergency shelter, safety planning, crisis intervention, counseling, legal advocacy, and more. Visit saafehouse.org/services/family-violence for support.