Safety Plan

As each person’s situation is unique, your safety plan will be different from others. Also, make a backup safety plan in case your first plan fails. Call the Day One Crisis Hotline 1.866.223.1111 to discuss safety plans with an advocate in your area.

• What is the best escape route from your home? Consider how to get you and your children out quickly and safely.
• Create a code word to use when you are in danger. Share it with your children, family, friends and neighbors so if you use it they know to call the police or get help.
• If an argument is unavoidable, stay out of rooms with no escape routes such as bathrooms, kitchens, or basements and which may contain potential weapons such as knives or tools.
• Call the Minnesota Day One Crisis Hotline at 1.866.223.1111 for safe housing options if you are seeking to leave home.
• If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

• Keep the number for the Minnesota Day One Crisis Hotline, 1.866.223.1111, and a cell phone or change for a pay phone with you at all times.
• Leave money, keys, important documents, and a change of clothing for you and your children with a trusted friend so that you can leave quickly.
• Hide keys or money for a bus or taxi where you can get them if your friend is not home.
• Identify a public place (police station, hospital) open 24-hours daily where you can go for help.
• Open bank accounts in your own name to establish credit and have an emergency fund, if possible.
• Review your safety plan often. Leaving your abuser can be an emotional and dangerous time.
• Try to obtain a cellphone for yourself. Consider a pay as you go phone that you keep in a safe place to so you can make sensitive calls without being tracked. Read about Computer & Phone Safety.

• You may want to consider obtaining an Order for Protection. However, Orders for Protection do not guarantee your safety. If you are unsure about filing an Order for Protection, please speak with an advocate today to decide if this is an option for you.
• An Order for Protection (OFP) is a court order that tells the person hurting you to stop doing so. For more information about an Order for Protection.
• Call a domestic violence agency in your area for information about an Order for Protection (OFP) and support regarding the legal process.
• When an OFP is granted, it is a good idea to always keep a copy with you. Although there is a database for law enforcement to look up orders, it may be a good idea to keep extra copies at work, your children’s school and daycare (if the order is on behalf of your children or the order spells out custody and parenting time arrangements), in your car, in your purse and with relatives or friends.
• Give a copy of your OFP to your local police department. Call the police if the order is violated.

• Change your locks as soon as possible. Secure windows and install outdoor lighting.
• Make a safety plan with your children for times when you are not all home together.
• Inform daycare providers and school staff who has permission to pick up your children.
• Tell neighbors and your landlord that your partner no longer lives with you.
• Inform them they should call the police if they see him/her near your home, or if they hear suspicious noises.

• Consider telling your employer and supervisor that you have an abusive partner.
• Share a photo of your abuser with building security and ask them to call the police if they come to your work.
• Arrange for a friend to screen your calls and escort you to your bus stop or car.

• Have positive thoughts about yourself and your abilities and be clear about your needs.
• Read books, articles and poems to help you feel stronger.
• Read through our Survivor’s Rights to start to rebuild from a position of strength and hope.
• Enroll yourself and your children in support groups and parenting skills classes.
• If you must communicate with your abuser, determine the safest way to do so.
• Keep in contact with supportive friends, family and advocates.

Call an advocate in the Day One Network to discuss safety plan options that are just right for you and your family at 1.866.223.1111.