Developing Your Safety Plan

Creating a response plan can support you and your children if something comes up during your conversations. For example, how might you respond if your child tells you they’ve seen signs of an unhealthy relationship or sexual abuse? We know you’d never want to hear these words, but your response will be very important if something like this does come up.

Steps

1. Identify the people you can count on to listen to you and support you if a crisis arises. Criteria to consider:

  • They listen without judgment.

  • They don’t tell you exactly what to do, but rather support you in brainstorming ideas or responses.

  • They are someone you would trust with very sensitive information.

  • They simply make you feel safe.

2. Identify your local emergency resources.

  • Identify your local police number.

  • Identify your local child abuse hotline.


3. Remember there are other resources to support you. Here are a few: