AAC - Relationships - Difficult Relationships & Challenging Dynamics - Coercive Behaviour - Q4 (Alessandra)

How can I create a safety plan?

Transcript

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A safety plan is simply a personal practical guide for staying safer when you're in a difficult or potentially dangerous relationship. It's not about predicting the worst, but about feeling more prepared if things escalate and giving yourself a clearer sense of control in a situation that often feels unpredictable. And many people who experience coercive behaviour find that having something written down, even just for themselves, makes a real difference to how supported and steady they feel. Now a good place to start is thinking about your immediate environment. So if you're still living with a person, consider small things that could help a moment of crisis. So knowing which room has a phone or a lock, having a charge mobile on you, and thinking about which areas of the home might be safer if things become tense. And you don't need to overthink this at all, but just having a rough idea in the back of your mind can help you feel less caught off guard. It can also help to think about who you trust. So this might be a friend, a family member, or a neighbor who could let you know what's going on, even in a small way. Some people set up a code word with someone they trust, so if they ever send that word, the other person knows to check in or a call for help. You might also think about where you'd go if you ever need to leave quickly, even if you don't think you'll need to use that plan anytime soon. Now, if you do think you might need to leave at some point, it can help to gradually put aside small things like some money, a spare set of keys, or copies of important documents, somewhere safe that you can easily access. And again, it's not about making any decisions right now, but rather about giving yourself options for the future. And one thing worth knowing is that you don't have to build this plan on your own, as domestic abuse organizations and helplines are there specifically to help people think through safety planning step by step, and talking it through with someone trained in this area can make this whole process feel less overwhelming and a lot less isolating. And if you do want some extra support with any of this, then organizations like Refuge or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline can talk you through your options confidentially, whatever stage you're at. And you can find more support and resources around relationships and coercive behaviour in the app. And if you are thinking about hurting yourself or feeling safe, then please seek urgent help by contacting your local emergency number or a crisis helpline.