Community & Safety Planning

June is a time when many people come together to enjoy community events, spend time with family and friends, and make plans for the months ahead. At Peace Place, we're using this month to focus on something equally important: community and safety planning.

No one should have to navigate abuse, fear, or uncertainty alone. Safety plans are designed to help survivors increase their safety, access resources, and feel more prepared for challenging or uncertain situations. On top of that, rather than focusing on a single moment or decision, safety planning provides practical tools and strategies that can be adapted as circumstances change.

Safety planning is not about living in fear — rather, it's about creating options, building confidence, and staying safe. One important point to consider is that safety planning is not a one-time event. As circumstances change, safety plans can be adjusted to meet an individual's needs. Combined with support from trusted people and community resources, safety planning can help survivors feel more empowered and informed as they navigate difficult situations.

What Is a Safety Plan?
A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan designed to help someone stay as safe as possible during or after an abusive relationship. Every survivor's situation is unique, which means every safety plan should be tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

Many people believe safety plans are only for those who are ready to leave an abusive relationship. In reality, safety plans can be helpful whether someone is staying, considering their options, preparing to leave, co-parenting with an abusive partner, or navigating life after abuse.

A safety plan is not a guarantee that danger will disappear. Instead, it helps individuals think through potential risks, identify safe options, and determine what resources are available before a crisis occurs.
 
How to Create a Basic Safety Plan
While every plan should be personalized, there are several practical steps that can help increase safety.

1. Identify Safe Places​ 
Think about where you could go if you needed to leave quickly. This could be a trusted friend's home, a family member's house, a public place, or an emergency shelter.  
Ask yourself:

• Where can I go at any time of day or night?
• Who would be willing to help if I needed support?
• How would I get there safely?
• What transportation options are available if my usual transportation is unavailable?

Having these answers in advance can help reduce stress during an emergency.

2. Keep Important Information Accessible
Store important phone numbers somewhere safe. While many people rely on cell phones, phones can be lost, damaged, monitored, or inaccessible during a crisis. Taking a few minutes to create a backup list of important contacts can provide peace of mind and help ensure critical information is readily available when needed.
Consider keeping a written list of:

• Emergency contacts
• Trusted family members or friends
• Your local domestic violence program
• Healthcare providers
• Schools or childcare providers

Memorizing a few important numbers can also be helpful.

3. Prepare an Emergency Bag
​If it is safe to do so, consider packing an emergency bag and storing it in a secure location. Keeping essential belongings together can make it easier to leave quickly if needed and help reduce some of the uncertainty that often accompanies a crisis.
Items might include:

• Identification documents
• Birth certificates
• Prescription medications
• Extra clothing
• Keys
• Cash or prepaid cards
• Copies of important documents
• Comfort items for children

The goal is not to prepare for every possible situation but to make sure essential items are accessible if they are needed.

4. Protect Your Privacy
Technology can be a valuable tool, but it can also create safety concerns.
Consider:

• Changing passwords regularly
• Using strong, unique passwords
• Reviewing privacy settings on social media
• Disabling location-sharing features when appropriate
• Logging out of shared devices

If you believe someone may be monitoring your online activity, a domestic violence advocate may be able to help you create a safer technology plan.

5. Build a Support Network
Safety planning is most effective when survivors know they are not alone. Community support can play a powerful role in helping survivors stay safe, access resources, and connect with trusted people who can provide practical assistance and emotional support when needed.
A support network may include:

• Friends
• Family members
• Coworkers
• Neighbors
• Faith leaders
• Counselors
• Advocates

Many survivors feel isolated or worry about reaching out for help. Abuse often thrives in isolation, making supportive relationships especially important.
 
How to Identify Trusted Support People
Not everyone is equipped to provide meaningful support, and not every relationship is a safe one. When building a support network, it is important to identify people who make you feel heard, respected, and supported. These individuals can provide encouragement, practical assistance, or simply a listening ear during difficult times. Consider identifying people who:

• Listen without judgment
• Respect your choices
• Maintain confidentiality
• Remain calm during stressful situations
• Are willing to help when needed

Even having one trusted person can make a significant difference.
 
Safety Planning with Children
Children may also be affected by domestic violence and benefit from age-appropriate safety planning.
Depending on their age, children can learn:

• Their full name and address
• How to call 911 if appropriate
• Safe adults they can contact
• Where to go if they feel unsafe

Children should never be expected to intervene in abusive situations. The goal is to help them understand basic safety measures while reducing fear and confusion.
 
Planning for Pets
Many survivors delay seeking help because they worry about what will happen to their pets. For many people, pets are beloved members of the family, and concerns about their safety and well-being can be a significant barrier to leaving an abusive situation. Including pets in a safety plan can help reduce uncertainty and ensure their needs are considered during an emergency.
 Consider:

• Identifying someone who can provide temporary care
• Keeping veterinary records accessible
• Including pet supplies in an emergency bag
• Asking local service providers about pet-friendly resources

Workplace and School Safety
For many survivors, safety concerns extend beyond the home. Daily routines often involve multiple locations, including workplaces, schools, childcare facilities, places of worship, and community spaces. Thinking through potential safety concerns in these environments can help survivors feel more prepared and identify resources and support systems that may be available.
If appropriate, consider:

• Informing a trusted supervisor or school administrator
• Requesting an escort to your vehicle
• Identifying safe areas within the building
• Sharing safety concerns with security personnel
• Adjusting routines when necessary

Small changes can sometimes increase safety and provide additional support.

How Communities Can Help
Domestic violence is not just an individual issue—it is a community issue. Communities play an important role in creating environments where survivors feel supported, believed, and connected to resources.
Everyone can help by:

• Listening without judgment
• Believing survivors
• Respecting a survivor's choices and timeline
• Sharing information about available resources
• Learning more about domestic violence
• Encouraging others to seek support when needed

Sometimes a single conversation, a shared resource, or a supportive response can help someone take the first step toward safety.

You Are Not Alone
Safety planning is not about having all the answers. It is about taking practical steps to increase safety, identify trusted support systems, and prepare for difficult situations before they arise.

This June, we encourage everyone to learn about safety planning, strengthen their community connections, and share resources with those who may need them. Together, we can help create safer, more supportive communities for survivors and their families.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, Peace Place is here to help.

Peace Place 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 706-387-0100

Our advocates can assist with safety planning, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, support services, and community resources. 

You can also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or by texting “START” to 88788 for additional support and information.

​Help is available, and no one has to face abuse alone.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You Deserve Safety and Respect
Everyone deserves a relationship built on trust, kindness, and equality. If you ever feel unsafe or unsure about your relationship, reaching out for help can make a difference.
If you or someone you know needs support, please call our 24/7 Crisis Hotline at 706-387-0100 to speak with a trained advocate who can help explore options and connect survivors with local resources.
You can also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or by texting “START” to 88788 for additional support and information.
No one should have to face fear, trauma, or the healing process on their own. Help and support are always available for those who need it.