These are recommended safety planning steps. These recommendations may not apply in all situations. Contact SCVAN’s Legal Department for information on restraining orders. 911:
If there is an emergency where you or a member of your household is in immediate danger, call 911. Use a landline if possible, as it will provide an address to dispatchers even if you are not able to speak. Emergency Contact: Select two close friends or family members to act as emergency contacts who you can stay with in the event of an emergency and develop an emergency plan with them. This plan should include a safe method of communication in case of emergency, as well as a safe meeting place. Code Words: Establish a “code word” you can text to your emergency contacts if you need assistance leaving your abuser. This could be an emoji you never use, or it could be a brief phrase like “You up?” or “Is it raining over there?” Save Money: Start saving money. If you go to the store to buy essential items, purchase gift cards that you can keep in a safe place in case of emergency. Safeguard Phone: Regularly clear your Internet browser history, and if possible, keep your phone locked and protected by fingerprint or facial recognition scanning.
