24/7 HELPLINE: 1800 123 456
If you are in immediate danger, call 000
Safety Planning is About Preparation, Awareness and Reducing Risk - Not Eliminating it Entirely.
You deserve to feel safer.
A safety plan is a personalised, practical plan designed to help you stay safer during:
- An abusive relationship.
- A violent incident.
- A preparation to leave.
- A separation.
There is no ‘perfect’ plan.
What Is Safety Planning?
Safety planning involves thinking through:
- What risks exist.
- What triggers escalation.
- Where safe spaces are.
- Who you can contact.
- What you might need in an emergency.
Every situation is different. What works for one person may not be safe for another. That’s why personalised support matters.
Why Safety Planning Matters
Planning ahead, even in small ways, can increase your options during a crisis.
The risk of violence can increase:
- When abuse escalates.
- When control is challenged.
- When someone tries to leave.
- After separation.
You do not need to be ready to leave to create a safety plan.
Safety Planning While Still in the Relationship
Only take steps that are safe for you.
You might consider:
- Identifying rooms with exits and avoiding spaces with weapons.
- Keeping your phone charged and accessible.
- Having a trusted person you can call or signal.
- Establishing a code word with someone you trust.
- Teaching children how to call emergency services (if safe to do so).
- If planning could increase risk, wait and seek guidance first.
Safety Planning if You Are Considering Leaving
Leaving can be the most dangerous time.
You might consider:
- Speaking to a support service before leaving.
- Gathering important documents (if safe to do so).
- Saving emergency funds (if possible).
- Identifying a safe location.
- Planning how and when to leave.
- Do not rush unless you are in immediate danger. Support can help you plan safely and carefully.
Safety Planning After Separation
After separation, you might consider:
- Changing passwords and reviewing digital privacy.
- Updating address details confidentially where possible.
- Informing trusted neighbours or colleagues.
- Reviewing court orders or protection options.
- Adjusting routines if necessary.
- Ongoing support remains important even after leaving.
Safety Planning for Children
If children are involved:
- Reassure them the violence is not their fault.
- Teach them how to call 000 in an emergency.
- Identify a safe neighbour or adult.
- Avoid placing them in the middle of conflict.
- Children should never be responsible for protecting a parent.
Digital Safety
Technology can be used to monitor or control someone.
Consider:
- Using a safer device to seek help.
- Clearing browsing history (only if safe to do so).
- Reviewing privacy settings.
- Being cautious about location sharing.
If you suspect tracking or spyware, seek specialist advice before changing devices.
How STOP DV Can Support You
You Don’t Have To Do This Alone
Safety planning is most effective when done with a trained professional.
We can:
Assess your individual risk.
Help create a personalised safety plan.
Connect you with legal services.
Connect you with housing services.
Advocate on your behalf.
Support you through every stage.
You don’t have to do this alone
Safety planning is most effective when done with a trained professional.
There is no pressure to leave, and no judgment - only support.
If it is not safe to speak, do what you can to move to a safer place.
24/7 HELPLINE: 1800 123 456
If you are in immediate danger, call 000