How To Create Effective Safety Plans

For survivors of abuse, deciding to prioritize safety is a brave and life-changing step. However, it can also bring an overwhelming wave of questions and emotions: Where do I go? How can I protect myself? What about my children? A safety plan is the bridge between fear and freedom, offering survivors a clear path forward in moments of crisis and beyond. 

At the heart of this process is Jasmine Hensley, Director of the Greater Charlotte Hope Line at Safe Alliance. Jasmine and her team of advocates empower survivors with the tools and strategies they need to regain control of their lives. "Many survivors who connect with the Hope Line are overwhelmed by confusion, fear, and a range of emotions," Jasmine explains. "Our advocates empathize with those feelings, validate their desire to stay safe, and offer tailored support to meet their needs." 

What Is a Safety Plan? 

A safety plan is far more than a checklist, it's a personalized, actionable strategy designed to lower a survivor's risk of harm. "Safety planning is about meeting survivors where they are," Jasmine says. "We guide them as they create their own tailored plan to stay safe, whether that's in the present moment or in the future." 

In the past year, Safe Alliance helped create over 14,137 safety plans, each as unique as the survivor it was designed for. These plans answer key questions such as: 

  • Where can I go to stay safe? 
  • Who can I call for help? 
  • What important items should I discreetly pack? 
  • When is the safest time to leave? 
  • How can I stay safe until I'm ready to leave? 
"These questions may seem simple, but they hold the power to help survivors think through their next steps clearly," Jasmine shares. 

Safety Planning in Crisis

When someone calls the Hope Line during a crisis, Jasmine's team acts quickly to assess the situation. "We always start with the survivor's physical safety," she explains. "If they are in immediate danger, we ask one or two quick questions and, with their permission, can dispatch emergency services." 

One of the biggest misconceptions about safety planning, is that it's a one-size-fits-all solution. "It's not about telling a survivor what to do," Jasmine emphasizes. "It's about working alongside them. They know their situation better than anyone else, and we're here to empower their choices."  

If the survivor is physically safe but emotionally overwhelmed, the first step is helping them find a sense of calm. "Sometimes, just taking a few deep breaths and hearing, 'You're safe right now, and I'm here to help,' can make all the difference," says Jasmine Hensley. Once the survivor feels grounded, they can begin creating a safety plan tailored to their unique circumstances. 

For survivors of domestic violence, safety planning often begins with addressing physical safety, especially when they share a home or children with their abuser. "We'll discuss critical factors like custody arrangements, school pickups, or protective orders to ensure every aspect of their safety is considered," Jasmine explains. Survivors often face difficult decisions, such as staying near their child's school or job for stability while navigating threats from their abuser. "In these cases, we work closely with survivors to explore emergency legal options, identify trusted individuals for support, and create a plan that prioritizes both safety and stability for the entire family," Jasmine emphasizes. 

For survivors of sexual assault, the focus often shifts to emotional safety. "These survivors may be grappling with feelings of guilt, self-blame, or confusion," Jasmine explains. "Our advocates spend a lot of time reassuring them: What happened is not your fault. Sometimes, safety planning with a sexual assault survivor means allowing space for those realizations to take shape." 

Making Support Accessible for Every Survivor 

Jasmine and her team are deeply committed to ensuring that every survivor has access to support, no matter their circumstances. "We provide interpreting services in over 200 languages, connect survivors to transportation resources, and find creative ways to offer assistance if someone doesn't have access to technology," she shares. The Greater Charlotte Hope Line is available 24/7 by phone, with online chat support offered during limited hours. Survivors can also visit Safe Alliance offices for in-person support. 

You Are Not Alone. 

Reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, especially when you're facing such a difficult situation. It's normal to feel scared or uncertain about sharing what you're going through, but know that you don't have to do this alone. Compassionate, knowledgeable, and understanding advocates are ready to listen, support, and guide you through this process. 

"We're here to provide a judgment-free, safe space where survivors can take the first step toward healing," Jasmine says. "Whether you're ready to create a safety plan or simply need someone to talk to, we're here for you, whenever you're ready." 

Your safety and well-being matter, and there's support available to help you navigate this journey. If you or someone you know needs support, the Greater Charlotte Hope Line is available 24/7 at 980-771-4673. Safe Alliance advocates are here to help create a safety plan tailored to your needs. 

Tagged as domestic violence, DV Safety Planning, Greater Charlotte Hope Line, Safety Planning, Sexual Assault.

In an emergency please dial 911

Call the Greater Charlotte Hope Line 24/7 for info on parenting, domestic violence and sexual assault 980.771.4673.

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