Safety Plan for Women in Domestic Violence Situations

The West Cork Women against Violence Project will work with a woman to help her create a safety plan. These are well thought-out plans for her response when in a violent situation. We recognize how difficult it is for a woman to decide to seek refuge and that it may take several attempts before she can permanently leave. If you suspect that you are going to be attacked, leave the situation as soon as possible before the attack occurs. If you have to leave immediately, call the local Garda station for help or to find out where your nearest refuge and support services are.

When a woman decides that leaving might be in her best interests, there are many factors that can impact her decision at this time, such as emotional, physical, and financial issues. The period when women disclose the abuse or leave the situation can be an extremely dangerous time which also makes leaving difficult.  Leaving does not guarantee that the violence will end. Because of this danger, it helps to be prepared. Safety planning empowers, it can help women prepare to safely leave their abusers and know that they have options besides living with the abuser.

Working on your Safety Plan.

Remember, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. The plan is created to allow one to use the guidelines on their own and tailor it to their own specific needs. To help make a decision about what is best for you, it can be useful to talk to a local domestic violence support  worker. They are familiar with safety issues and can help you to make a safety plan that meets your individual needs. If you write your safety plan, be sure to keep it in a place where your husband / partner won’t find it, perhaps keep it with a friend or relative or where you work. Where you have experienced one episode of domestic violence, it is very likely to occur again. The most effective method is to prepare now in case of another attack.

Preparation and Planning Ahead

1. Devise your safety plan when you are in a position to think things through. That way, if you need to get out quickly, you’ll know where to go and what options are available to you.

  • Contact one of the domestic violence agencies to find out what you can do.
  • Figure out which friends and relatives might be able to help out or alternatives if your friend is not available at the time you leave.
  • If you think it is safe to do so, consider telling your neighbour and ask them to dial 999 if suspicious noises are coming from the home.
  • If you have to leave immediately, call the local Garda station for help or to find out where your nearest refuge and support services are.

2. Consider making a plan for each room in your home.

  • What can you do to get out of the bathroom or the bedrooms in your home? If you live in an apartment building, think of all the ways to get out safely. Is there a fire escape/stairs that could get you safely to the ground?
  • Know which doors lock in your home.
  • You may want to plan a code or a phrase to use on the phone with a friend if you need to access help when the abuser is present.

3. Decide how you would get out of your home.

  • If you leave by car, make sure you lock the car doors immediately.
  • Always ensure you have enough fuel.
  • Decide on a pathway if you have to leave at night. Know the route to Garda Stations, hospitals, support services and refuges in your area or think of public places you can access 24 hours a day.
  • Keep any court orders on you at all times.
  • Keep your purse and keys in a safe place, in case you have to leave quickly.
  • If you have a mobile phone, ensure it is charged and in credit. Have coins for a public phone.

4. Memorise important numbers

  1. Hospital, Refuge, Gardai, Taxi

5. Important Documents
Talk to a friend or a domestic violence worker about a safe place where you can keep important documents such as:

  • Protection, Barring or Safety  Orders
  • ATM Bank Card
  • Children’s allowance books or other payments
  • Passport and drivers license
  • PPS number, birth/marriage certificates
  • Legal documents
  • Prescriptions
  • Items of sentimental value
  • A spare set of car keys.

After the attack

  • Get medical attention. It is vital to document your injuries as evidence of an existing pattern of domestic violence or as evidence for any future court orders.
  • Save evidence: If possible take photographs of damage to your environment and photographs of any bruising.