Safety planning can be helpful if you are in a dangerous situation. In order to ensure your safety and well-being, a plan can help reduce risk and provide you with options.
Get help creating your personalized Safety Plan HERE.
The Sikh Family Center has created a New Sikh Danger Assessment tool to assess domestic violence (in Punjabi & English) in Sikh communities.
Safety at Home:
- Purchasing a cellular phone, if possible and keeping it in a pocket or in an accessible hiding place
- Keeping a phone near you at all times
- Pre-programming 911 or the number of a safe friend or relative in your contact list
- Removing sharp objects and weapons from sight
- Know the local resources around you (police departments, DV organizations, shelters)
- Planning and practicing an escape route out of the home and a safety plan for any children
- Changing the locks
- Preparing the children to respond to a batterer who comes to their school or to childcare facilities
- Teaching the children not to let the batterer in the home (unless the batterer has a legal right to be there)
Safety at Work:
- Identify who you will notify at work about your situation
- Provide a photo of your abuser for identification
- Have a safety plan to exit your workplace
- Have someone escort you while leaving
- Take different routes from home to work
- Keep copy of protective order at work
Safety on the Computer:
- Delete search history
- Change username and passwords
- Protect your location on devices
- Get a new device if possible
- Refer to the site below for additional tips
Safety Planning When Preparing to Leave:
- Identify a trusted and safe person that you can stay with upon leaving (friend/relative)
- Have a packed bag at this trusted person’s house with copy of important documents and change of clothing
- Notify your child’s school/your job of your situation