Safety Planning for Domestic Violence Survivors

Realize that you are not alone, we are here to help, and there is hope.

General Safety Planning Tips

Make a Safety Plan

  • Identify patterns or triggers of abuse in your situation and, when possible, avoid them.
  • If a confrontation escalates, try to move away from the kitchen or other areas where weapons may be present.
  • Choose and communicate a safe space in your home for children to go during altercations.
  • Keep a go-bag in a secure, hidden place with essentials like clothing, cash, phone numbers, ID, and important documents.
  • Keep your phone charged and within reach at all times.

Stay Connected

  • Set up regular check-ins with trusted friends or family via calls, texts, or video chats.
  • Try to communicate when the abuser is away or when you’re outside the home, such as on a walk.
  • Use code words to discreetly signal to others if you’re in danger or need emergency help.

Practice Self-Care

  • Engage in calming and grounding activities such as exercise, reading, music, or meditation.
  • Encourage family members to do the same to help reduce household stress.
  • Maintain consistent routines for children to provide a sense of safety and stability.

Make a Safety Plan

  • Identify patterns or triggers of abuse in your situation and, when possible, avoid them.
  • If a confrontation escalates, try to move away from the kitchen or other areas where weapons may be present.
  • Choose and communicate a safe space in your home for children to go during altercations.
  • Keep a go-bag in a secure, hidden place with essentials like clothing, cash, phone numbers, ID, and important documents.
  • Keep your phone charged and within reach at all times.

Stay Connected

  • Set up regular check-ins with trusted friends or family via calls, texts, or video chats.
  • Try to communicate when the abuser is away or when you’re outside the home, such as on a walk.
  • Use code words to discreetly signal to others if you’re in danger or need emergency help.

Practice Self-Care

  • Engage in calming and grounding activities such as exercise, reading, music, or meditation.
  • Encourage family members to do the same to help reduce household stress.
  • Maintain consistent routines for children to provide a sense of safety and stability.

Emergency Contacts

NYC 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline

800-621-4673

National Domestic Violence Hotline

800-799-7233
TTY: 800-787-3224
thehotline.org

NYC Anti-Violence Project (for LGBTQIA+ Survivors)

212-714-1141
avp.org

NYC Information Line

311
In Case of Emergency
911

Text-to-911 (NYC Only)

Text-to-911 can be a life-saving tool for:

  • People who are Deaf or hard of hearing

  • Those with speech disabilities

  • Anyone who cannot safely speak during an emergency

How to Use Text-to-911:

  • Type 911 in the recipient field (no dashes or spaces)

  • Indicate if you are Deaf or have a disability

  • Describe your emergency clearly

  • Provide your full address, cross streets, and borough

  • Use full sentences; avoid abbreviations

URI Program Contacts

For questions about URI programs and services, contact us directly:

You Are Not Alone

There is help. There is hope. Whether you’re planning for safety, seeking shelter, or simply need to talk, support is available. We’re here for you.

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