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Safety Planning

Safety planning is about thinking through steps to be safer for those at risk of violence.

What is a safety plan?

A safety plan is a written list of steps that someone at risk of violence can take to increase safety and mitigate future harm. This can include considerations around immediate physical safety, emotional safety, housing, technology, school/workplace, and transportation, such as:

  • Always carrying your cell phone and charger with important numbers saved
  • Spending time with people who make you feel safe
  • Setting online profiles to private
  • Clearing your web history regularly
  • Keeping screen caps of abusive, threatening, or harassing text messages
  • Changing your routine, if you’re being stalked

Who are safety plans for?

Safety plans are for anybody at risk of harm or violence, including sexual and nonsexual violence. This can include those living with an abusive family member, those with an abusive (ex) partner, or those at risk of suicide.

What will my safety plan look like?

Everyone’s safety plan will look different based on their own situation, including considerations like who they live with, which places they frequent, who’s in their support network, and what kinds of violence they are experiencing (domestic violence, stalking, etc).

How can I make a safety plan?

Members of the McMaster community are encouraged to contact SVPRO for non-judgmental, trauma-informed support, including safety planning. Email svpro@mcmaster.ca to get in touch.

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