These safety planning steps are general recommendations and may not apply to every situation. For information on restraining orders, contact SCVAN’s Legal Department.
If you or someone in your household is in immediate danger, call 911. If possible, use a landline, as it will automatically provide your location to dispatchers, even if you are unable to speak.
Choose two trusted friends or family members as emergency contacts. Develop a detailed emergency plan with them, including a safe method of communication and a designated meeting place in case you need to leave quickly.
Establish a discreet “code word” that you can text to your emergency contacts if you need help leaving the abusive situation. This could be an uncommon emoji or a short, seemingly casual phrase like “You up?” or “Is it raining over there?”
Start setting aside money for emergencies. When shopping for essentials, consider purchasing gift cards and storing them in a secure place so you have access to funds if you need to leave unexpectedly.
Regularly clear your internet browser history to prevent tracking. If possible, keep your phone locked and protected with fingerprint or facial recognition scanning to ensure your privacy and security.
