If you’re experiencing domestic violence, it’s important to know you are not alone, and that you have options. A safety plan is a personalised, practical strategy that helps keep you and your children safer when preparing to leave, while living with abuse, or after you’ve left.
This guide will walk you through how to create a safety plan, who can help you, and what resources are available.
Download or print a Safety Plan Template.
What Is a Safety Plan?
A safety plan is a written or mental checklist that outlines actions you can take to protect yourself—and your children—before, during, and after leaving an abusive home. It’s a proactive way to stay safe, minimise risk, and reduce panic during stressful or dangerous situations.
A strong safety plan can include:
- Safe places to go
- Emergency contacts and helplines
- How to get help quickly
- What to pack in an emergency
- Key documents and personal items
- Planning around technology and digital safety
Your plan should be tailored to your personal circumstances and reviewed regularly as things change.
Why Is a Safety Plan Important?
A safety plan helps you take control in situations where you may otherwise feel powerless. In the middle of a crisis, it’s hard to think clearly or make decisions. Having a plan already in place allows you to act quickly and decisively.
This is especially important if:
- You are preparing to leave your partner
- You are at risk of escalating violence
- You’re worried about your children’s welfare
- You’ve had to return to the abusive home before
- You’re being monitored digitally or controlled financially
If you’re unsure whether now is the right time to act, you can still build a plan quietly and safely while you consider your next steps.
Steps to Build Your Personal Safety Plan
- 1. Identify a Safe Space
Know where you can go if things become unsafe. This could be a trusted friend’s home, a women’s refuge, or a public place like a hospital. Try to avoid places your partner knows.
- 2. Prepare an Emergency Bag
Include essentials like ID, keys, cash or cards, medications, legal documents, clothes, and important items for your children. Store it in a secure location, or leave it with a trusted person.
- 3. Memorise Key Contacts
Save numbers for police, crisis lines like 1800RESPECT, and someone you trust. Also consider printing out these contacts in case your phone is lost or compromised.
- 4. Secure Your Digital Safety
Update passwords, clear browser history, and avoid shared devices. Open new email accounts if needed, and consider turning off location sharing features on your phone.
- 5. Talk to a Support Service
Specialist organisations can help you build a plan that’s right for your situation. Support services like 1800RESPECT, legal centres, and local family violence workers offer free and confidential advice.
For more, visit Support Services or Legal Help After Leaving Abuse.
Safety Planning with Children
If you have children, your safety plan should include them. Teach older kids how to dial 000 and choose safe rooms with no weapons or sharp objects. Make sure they know not to intervene physically during incidents.
More guidance: Safety Planning with Children
What to Do if You’re in Immediate Danger
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.
If you’re not ready to leave or are still unsure, there’s no pressure. You can begin with small steps—talking to a counsellor, calling a support service, or learning more about your legal options.
You’re Not Alone
Creating a safety plan is an act of strength. Whether you’re still in the relationship or have already left, there are services, legal protections, and people ready to stand with you. You deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported.
