Resources
Your Path to Empowerment and Security
At Hope Haven, we understand that safety is paramount, especially for those who have experienced domestic and sexual violence. Planning for safety is an essential step towards regaining control over your life and ensuring your well-being. Our comprehensive approach focuses on providing you with the tools and resources you need to create a personalized safety plan that empowers you and supports your journey towards healing.
Personalized Safety Strategies: Every survivor’s situation is unique. Our expert advocates work closely with you to understand your specific circumstances and develop a safety plan tailored to your needs. This plan may include steps to take during an emergency, ways to minimize risk, and strategies to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Covering All Aspects: A safety plan addresses various dimensions of your life – physical, emotional, financial, and more. It encompasses practical steps to ensure your immediate safety, such as identifying safe places to go, memorizing emergency contacts, and having essential documents at hand.
Building a Support Network: In addition to physical safety measures, a safety plan involves creating a network of support. Our team can help you connect with local resources, support groups, and advocates who are dedicated to assisting you on your journey. This network ensures that you don’t have to face challenges alone.
Empowerment Through Knowledge: Understanding your rights, options, and available resources is a key aspect of planning for safety. We are here to provide you with information about legal protections, restraining orders, housing assistance, and other services that can contribute to your safety and well-being.
Your Journey, Your Choices: Planning for safety is about putting the power back in your hands. At Hope Haven, we believe in your strength and autonomy. We provide guidance and support, but ultimately, your safety plan is a reflection of your choices and decisions.
If you or someone you know is seeking to create a safety plan, remember that Hope Haven is here to assist you. Your safety matters, and we are dedicated to helping you navigate the path towards empowerment, security, and a life free from violence.
The following items are important to have when you leave, if possible:
- Social security, birth certificates, and other IDs
- Immunization records
- Public assistance cards/Medicaid cards
- Passports, green cards, work permits
- Money, checkbook, ATM cards, credit cards
- Medication and medical supplies
- Keys
- Car registration, insurance papers
- Divorce or separation papers
- Lease, rental agreement or house deed
- Car mortgage payment book
- Children’s toys, security blankets
- Your personal safety plan (if written down)
Creating a safety plan for yourself as a victim of abuse or violence is crucial for your safety and well-being. Here’s a step-by-step guide for you to make your own safety plan:
Assess Your Situation: First, assess the level of danger you are facing. If you believe you are in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number.
Identify Trusted Contacts: Make a list of trusted individuals or organizations you can reach out to for support, such as friends, family, coworkers, or support groups.
Emergency Contacts: Create a list of emergency contacts, including local law enforcement, domestic violence hotlines, crisis centers, and shelters. Keep this list in a safe, easily accessible place.
Safe Locations: Identify safe locations where you can go in case of immediate danger, such as a trusted friend or family member’s house, a domestic violence shelter, or a public place where you can seek help.
Communication Plan: Develop a communication plan to stay in touch with your trusted contacts. Establish code words or signals to communicate distress without alerting the abuser.
Secure Important Documents: Safeguard important documents like identification, passports, birth certificates, social security cards, and financial records. Keep them in a secure location, possibly with a trusted friend or in a safe deposit box.
Financial Independence: If you are financially dependent on the abuser, work on establishing financial independence. Open a separate bank account, explore public assistance programs, or seek employment opportunities.
Restraining Orders: If applicable, consider obtaining a restraining order against the abuser. Familiarize yourself with the legal process and your rights.
Technology Safety: Learn about online and phone safety. Change passwords, block the abuser’s number, and be cautious about sharing your location on social media.
Safety at Home: Plan for safety within your home. This might include changing locks, installing a security system, or having a safety plan for children if they are involved.
Children’s Safety: If you have children, develop a safety plan for them as well. Teach them what to do in emergencies and have a code word for them to use if they sense danger.
Emotional Support: Seek therapy or counseling to address the emotional trauma and stress caused by the abuse.
Regularly Update the Plan: Revisit and update your safety plan as your circumstances change, such as moving to a new location or any changes in the abuser’s behavior.
Emergency Bag: Prepare an emergency bag with essentials, including clothing, toiletries, medications, and important documents, in case you need to leave quickly.
Self-Care: Prioritize self-care practices to help you manage stress and maintain your emotional well-being. Remember that your safety plan should be personalized to your unique situation.
Seek assistance and support from professionals experienced in helping victims of abuse, such as domestic violence advocates and counselors.
Always prioritize your safety and well-being, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the resources and contacts you’ve identified in your plan if you ever feel threatened or in danger. Your safety is of the utmost importance.
Hope is one call away HOPEline: (816)380-4663.
