If you are experiencing abuse, what is happening to you is not your fault. While you cannot control other’s behavior, you can take steps to increase your safety.
Domestic violence safety planning can help protect you and your loved ones. Download our free template and read on to learn more about how to create a safety plan.
What is a Domestic Violence Safety Plan?
A domestic violence safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that will help you stay as safe as possible while you are experiencing abuse, preparing to leave, or after you have left. It includes ways to protect yourself, your children, and your loved ones.
Why a Safety Plan Matters
A safety plan is not about leaving right away—it is about being prepared for when you will need it most.
Having a plan can make a difference in dangerous or unpredictable situations.
- Helps You Think Ahead: A plan prepares you for an emergency situation when there is no time to think.
- Reduces Risk: Identifying safe places, trusted people, and escape routes in advance lowers your risk of being harmed and can help you leave an abusive relationship safely.
- Gives You Back Control: Abuse can make you feel powerless. A safety plan is one way to take back some control over your own safety and your future.
- Protects Your Children and Loved Ones: Planning ahead helps ensure their safety as well as your own.
- Supports Your Healing and Independence. Knowing you have options and resources can reduce your fear and help you move forward.
How to Create a Safety Plan
A domestic violence safety plan should include several key elements such as:
- What to do during an emergency
- How to get out safely if you decide to leave
- Ongoing safety (at home or after leaving)
- Emotional and practical support
View and download a free template here.
Remember that you are not alone. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, we can help.
LSS CHOICES provides safety and healing to victims of domestic violence. As Franklin County’s only domestic violence shelter, we offer:
- Temporary emergency shelter, at an unpublished location
- Community advocates to help connect survivors not in shelter with other programs and services.
- Domestic violence counseling provided by licensed professionals to aid in recovery from trauma related to domestic violence
Help and support are available. We are here for you. Please call Franklin County’s Domestic Violence Hotline at (614) 224-HOME (4663) and download a free domestic violence safety guide to begin making your safety plan today.