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Safety Planning

Your safety matters.

If you are in a situation where you feel unsafe, having a plan can help you think clearly and take steps to protect yourself.

You deserve to feel safe. If you are navigating a difficult or unsafe situation, you are not alone — and there are ways to prepare, even if you are not ready to make a big change yet. This page is here to help you think through your options and take small, intentional steps toward safety.

Woman sitting near a window with soft natural light — calm and reflective
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Before you continue — if you are in immediate danger

If you believe you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or your local emergency services right away. If it is safe for you to do so, consider reaching out to a trusted person or a support resource.

📞 National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 💬 Chat at thehotline.org 📱 Text START to 88788
Understanding Your Options

What is a safety plan?

A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that helps you prepare for situations where you may feel unsafe.

It includes simple steps you can take to:

  • ✓Protect yourself in difficult or unpredictable situations
  • ✓Stay aware of your surroundings and recognize warning signs
  • ✓Prepare for different scenarios before they happen
  • ✓Know who to contact and how to reach them quickly

A safety plan is about preparation — not pressure.

Woman in a quiet, calm moment of reflection and thoughtful preparation
Your Environment

Be aware of your surroundings.

Take a moment to think about your current environment. Understanding your space can help you respond more quickly if you ever need to.

  • ✓Identify areas in your home where you feel safest
  • ✓Be aware of exits and routes to leave quickly if needed
  • ✓Avoid spaces where you could be trapped or isolated
  • ✓Keep your phone accessible and charged whenever possible

Awareness is one of your strongest tools.

Woman in a calm, grounded moment — aware and prepared
Your Support Network

Stay connected.

Having someone you trust can make a significant difference. You don’t have to share everything — but having someone who is aware of your situation can help you stay supported and safe.

  • ✓Identify at least one trusted person who you can contact
  • ✓Create a code word or phrase that signals you need help
  • ✓Share your location with someone you trust when possible
  • ✓Keep important contacts easily and quickly accessible

You are not meant to navigate this alone.

Two women in a warm, trusting conversation — support and connection
Be Prepared

Prepare important items.

If possible, consider gathering essential items in a place where you can access them quickly. This can help you respond more easily if you ever need to leave.

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Identification
ID, passport, birth certificate

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Important Documents
Financial, legal, medical records

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Medications
Prescriptions and health items

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Keys
House, car, safe deposit box

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A Small Amount of Cash
Easily accessible if needed

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A Change of Clothes
For you and your children

Preparation gives you options.

Listen to Yourself

Trust yourself.

If something feels off, it matters. You do not need permission to take your feelings seriously. Your instincts exist to protect you — and they are worth listening to.

You are allowed to:

  • ✓Trust what you feel without needing to explain it
  • ✓Take your own experience seriously
  • ✓Make decisions based on what feels right for you

Trusting yourself is a powerful step toward safety.

No Pressure, No Timeline

You have options.

Everyone’s situation is different. You may not be ready to leave, speak up, or make a major decision — and that’s okay.

Safety planning is not about forcing action — it’s about creating awareness and options so that when you are ready, you have something to move toward.

  • ✓You can move at your own pace
  • ✓There is no pressure to make immediate decisions
  • ✓Having a plan doesn’t mean you have to use it today

You can move at your own pace.

You Are Not Alone

Support is available.

If you are looking for guidance or support, Charisma’s Heart offers spaces where you can talk, reflect, and explore your next steps — without pressure or judgment.

Get Help Talk to Someone

Charisma’s Heart provides mentorship and emotional support services — not crisis intervention. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or the National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.