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Safety Planning

A safety plan is a practical guide to help you stay safer. Having a plan thought out in advance can make a critical difference. Take what applies to your situation.

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STEP 1

Know your safe places

Identify at least two safe places you can go if you need to leave quickly. A trusted friend, a family member, or a local shelter. Memorise the address or write it somewhere only you can access.

STEP 2

Important numbers to remember

Know the phone number of the National DV hotline or helpline. If you can, memorise the number of a trusted person who can help. Consider calling from a public phone or a borrowed device.

STEP 3

Pack an emergency bag

If it is safe to do so, prepare a bag with essentials: ID and birth certificates, medication, emergency cash, a phone charger, and a change of clothes for yourself and your children. Keep it somewhere accessible and hidden. If you have a friend or family member who could store it for you, please consider asking them to.

STEP 4

Digital safety

Clear your browser history after using this site. Use private/incognito mode. Log out of any accounts. If possible, use a public computer or a trusted friend's device to seek help.

STEP 5

Tell a trusted person

If you can do so safely, tell at least one trusted person about your situation and your plan. Give them a signal — a code word or phrase — that lets them know you need help.

STEP 6

Know your legal rights

You may be entitled to a protective order, emergency housing, and legal aid. Our resource directory can connect you with free legal advocates in your area who specialise in domestic violence cases.

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