79 Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers Safety planning is important for persons who have experienced violence or who are at risk of violence. Safety planning is a process in which a person and a trusted helper work together to ensure their safety. It is recommended even if the person has sought some form of protection through the justice system. Five strategies for safety planning Perpetrators often isolate their victims and do not allow them to make their own decisions. Safety planning restores power and control to the individual as they make decisions about how to enhance their own safety. A good safety planning process provides information and an array of options to choose from. Know the status of the relationship between the individual and the person who is causing harm or making threats.The individual may: • want to stay with the other person; • be in the process of leaving or going back to the other person; or • have already ended the relationship. In each of the previous situations, the following five strategies for safety planning are crucial: prevention, protection, notification, referral and emotional support. Strategy 1. PREVENTION Description Preventing future violence Examples • Going to a shelter • Moving to another residence. • Getting a peace bond. • Hiding or disarming weapons. • Changing schedules and routes to avoid being found. Strategy 2. PROTECTION Description Looking at ways the person can protect themselves during a violent incident Examples • Having an escape route. • Having the person seek shelter in a room where a door can be locked from inside, with a working phone available. Strategy 3. NOTIFICATION Description Arranging ways to get help in a crisis Examples • Cell phone. • Emergency numbers on hand. • Life-lines (personal security devices). • Security system. •Waving a towel in a window. • Having secret code words with trusted family, neighbours or friends. Strategy 4. REFERRAL Description Finding services that can help Examples • Regional Health Authority. • Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre. • Mental Health Crisis Line. • Justice system. • Victim Services. • Transition houses/shelters. • Faith or spiritual community. Strategy 5. EMOTIONAL SUPPORT Description Finding emotional support and ways to become less isolated Examples • Exercise/yoga group. • Hobby, art, music classes. • Trusted friends and family. • Peer support; support groups. • Community groups. WhatYou Can Do as a Helper A good safety plan is victim-driven and victim-centered. It is based on the goals of the individual who is experiencing violence, and not the helper’s opinions.As a helper, you can: • Build rapport and help the person feel safe through active listening. • Learn what the person fears about the perpetrator and what might happen if harmful actions or threats are carried out. • Ask what the person wants to do and why. Learning about the motivation behind the person’s decisions can help you understand her or his goals.You may be able to suggest other options for reaching the same goal. • Brainstorm creative options and ideas together. Safety Planning continued
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