Get Help

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

What Is Safety Planning?

A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that includes ways to remain safe while in a relationship, planning to leave, or after you leave. Safety planning involves how to cope with emotions, tell friends and family about the abuse, take legal action and more.

The national hotline safety plans with victims, friends and family members — anyone who is concerned about their own safety or the safety of someone else.

A good safety plan will have all of the vital information you need and be tailored to your unique situation, and will help walk you through different scenarios.

Although some of the things that you outline in your safety plan may seem obvious, it’s important to remember that in moments of crisis your brain doesn’t function the same way as when you are calm. When adrenaline is pumping through your veins it can be hard to think clearly or make logical decisions about your safety. Having a safety plan laid out in advance can help you to protect yourself in those stressful moments.

resources

For Victims and Survivors

Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence
P.O. Box 77308
Baton Rouge, LA 70879
Hotline: 1 (888) 411-1333
Office: (225) 752-1296
Website: www.lcadv.org

Firearms Safety Tip Sheet
In the U.S., guns are often the weapons of choice for abusers, used in over 50% of all cases of domestic violence homicides. Just the mere presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of fatality for women by five times. While firearms are commonly used by abusive partners to exert power and control, we know that each case is unique and warrants its own specific safety plan.

In an effort to support survivors in cases where abusive partners have access to firearms, the National Domestic Violence Hotline has developed a tip sheet with frequently asked questions to help survivors navigate their unique situations. To view and download this tip sheet, click the button below. We strongly recommend you use a safe device that your abusive partner does not have access to when downloading this tip sheet.

Talking to Your Children About Domestic Violence
If you are a parent who is experiencing abuse in your home, it can be very difficult to address it with your children.Take a look at this page for tips and additional resources that may be helpful.