•August 26, 2015•

by Althea Pendergast
Executive Director HOPE of East Central Ill.

A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that includes ways to remain safe, whether you are in an abusive relationship, planning to leave, or have left that relationship.

If you are currently living with your abuser, think of safe places in your home to escape to if an argument occurs. Avoid rooms with no exits or rooms where weapons might be available. Stay out of the bathroom and kitchen areas, if possible. If an argument occurs, try to move to those safer areas of your home. Try to avoid rooms that your children are in, as your partner may hurt them as well. Teach your children how to get help. Develop a code word to use with your children, alerting them that they need to call for help or leave the house. Instruct your children not to get involved in the violence and teach them to call 911. Plan your emergency exits and share those emergency exit plans with your children. If you are being physically assaulted, curl into a ball to protect your head and your face. Memorize your safety plan and ask your local domestic violence program to assist and your children in developing your safety plan.
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