Safety planning helps to keep us safe and protected. It helps us make informed decisions in a potentially harmful or dangerous situation. Here are some examples of safety plans that would help you stay safe in a dangerous situation.
Keep in mind that these are some guidelines and each situation is unique. If you are in immediate danger never hesitate to call 911.
Examples of safety plans
Woman and child safety plan
Reach out for support
Contact local women’s shelters, domestic violence hotlines, or organizations that support immigrants or refugees. They can offer you guidance, resources, and a safe place to stay if needed.
Secure important documents
Gather essential documents like passports, identification, immigration papers, birth certificates, and any other legal documents. Keep them in a safe, accessible place or store copies with someone you trust.
Know your emergency contacts
Memorize important phone numbers of friends, family, local shelters, and support services. Keep a list of these numbers hidden or stored in your phone.
Identify safe spaces
Find places where you and your children can go in case of an emergency. This can be a neighbor’s house, a community center, or a nearby public space.
Financial independence
If you can, start saving money in a secret account or find ways to have separate funds for yourself and your children.
Safety in public places
Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid places where the abuser may find you. Use different routes to get to the places you commonly visit (office, grocery stores etc).
Inform trusted individuals
Let trusted friends, neighbors, or colleagues know about your situation, so they can be aware and help if needed.
Legal protection
Talk to a lawyer or legal aid to learn about your rights and options for getting a restraining order or custody agreement.
Educate your children
Discuss safety with your kids. Tell them who to call in emergencies and how to stay safe.
Woman with no child safety plan
Create a support network
Reach out to friends, family, or local support groups who can provide emotional and practical support.
Reach out for support
Contact local women’s shelters, domestic violence hotlines, or contact us. We can offer you guidance, resources, and help you find a safe place to stay if needed.
Secure your home (if applicable)
Ensure all doors and windows have sturdy locks and consider installing a security system if possible.
Secure important documents
Gather essential documents like passports, identification, immigration papers, birth certificates, and any other legal documents. Keep them in a safe, accessible place or store copies with someone you trust.
Vary your routine
Avoid predictable patterns and change your daily routines to reduce the risk of being targeted.
Use well-lit and public areas
When going out, stick to well-lit and crowded places. Avoid poorly lit or isolated areas.
Car safety
If you have a car, keep it well-maintained and check for any unusual activity around it before getting in.
Online safety
Be cautious with online interactions and avoid sharing personal information with strangers.
Trust your instincts
If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in any situation, trust your instincts and remove yourself from it.
Stay informed
Know the emergency numbers in your area and the nearest police stations or safe locations you can go to in an emergency.
International student safety plan
Contact campus support services
Reach out to your college or university’s support services, such as counseling centers, international student advisors, or student housing services, to inform them about your situation and seek guidance.
Maintain regular contact with trusted individuals
Stay in touch with friends or family back home and new friends you trust. Inform them of your schedule.
Secure important documents
Gather essential documents like passports, identification, immigration papers, birth certificates, and any other legal documents. Keep them in a safe, accessible place or store copies with someone you trust.
Emergency contacts
Keep a list of emergency contacts on your phone, including local law enforcement, campus security, and your country’s embassy or consulate.
Travel safely
When traveling, use reputable transportation services and avoid late-night travel alone. Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
Social media privacy
Adjust your social media settings to ensure your privacy and avoid sharing personal information publicly.
Cultural communities
Seek out and connect with people from your home country or cultural background for support and a sense of community.
Stay informed
Familiarize yourself with local laws and resources that are available to international students.
Important note
External resources
BC Society of Transition Houses
- Technology Safety Plan Tip Sheet – https://bcsth.ca/techsafetytoolkit/technology-safety-plan-tip-sheet-for-women-and-anti-violence-workers/
- Technology Safety Planning Checklist – https://bcsth.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/8.-Technology-Safety-Planning-Check-List-for-Anti-Violence-Workers-March-2021.pdf
- A guide for Canadian Women experiencing technology-facilitated violence – https://bcsth.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BCSTH-A-guide-for-Canadian-women-experiencing-technology-facilitated-violence-2019.pdf
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (MPSSG):
How to reach us for help
Phone
Mon-Fri from 9am to 5pm
In person
Mon-Fri from 9am to 5pm
Our team is here to help
Are you at risk?
If you think you are at risk of or facing family/gender-based/intimate partner violence, seek help by reaching out to VLMFSS. Fill out our intake form.
