It is important to have a plan to increase safety as violence can escalate. A victim cannot control his or her partner’s abusive behavior, but they can take steps to protect themselves and their children from harm. A safety plan is a personalized and practical plan that helps identify things a victim can do to better protect themselves and their children and to help reduce the risk of being hurt.

Safety plans can include:

• Obtaining a new cell phone
• Changing a routine
• Changing locks and installing security systems
• Determining ways to keep children safe
• Creating a plan for where to go should an incident occur
• Calling Domestic Violence Crisis Center

If a victim is planning to leave, here are some thing to consider:

• Putting aside a bag with money, a change of clothes, identification, and medication.
• Putting aside important documents like birth certificates and social security cards.

DVCC is here to help victims interested in developing a personalized safety plan. Leaving an abusive situation can be the most dangerous time. It is strongly encouraged that a victim gets professional help and support during this time.