5.2.1 General Safety Planning for Intimate Partner Violence

Make home as safe as possible: If the survivor lives with the perpetrator and it will not escalate the situation, they can sleep in a common room, like the living room, or lock the door to their room if it’s not shared. If the perpetrator does not live with the survivor, the survivor can change the locks to their house, install an outdoor lighting system triggered by motion sensors (if feasible) or keep all doors locked except when entering and exiting.

Find safe places nearby: The community may have a domestic violence shelter or the survivor may have a friend or family member’s home at which they can stay. The survivor should learn where these ‘safe havens’ are located and how to reach them.

Create a code word: The survivor can create and use a code word to alert others that they need help. If they have children, the survivor can use a code word to alert them that they need to leave immediately.

Have an excuse ready: The survivor can create a list of several believable excuses for leaving the house suddenly at different times of the day or night, in case the situation becomes dangerous.

Stay mindful of digital safety: Because the perpetrator may be monitoring their computer or phone, the survivor should be careful their digital footprint, potentially by clearing their cache, history and cookies or by hiding or deleting apps. Alternatively, they could use a public computer or a friend’s device to safely obtain information and find support.

Build a support network: The survivor can notify trusted friends and family that they are experiencing intimate partner violence and ask them for help responding in the case of a crisis.