A safety plan is a personalized plan that can help you think through ways to stay safe during an abusive relationship, while preparing to leave, or after leaving. There is no one right way to do it, and every survivor’s situation is different. This page is meant to provide general information and ideas that you can consider and adapt based on your own needs and circumstances. You may choose to use some of these suggestions, all of them, or none at all. 

If you are able, it may also be helpful to create a safety plan with the support of a trusted advocate, attorney, or someone you feel comfortable with. Safety planning is not a substitute for legal advice or individualized support.  

If you need immediate help, call 911. If you need support, you can also contact the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at 877-863-6338 or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.  

What Is a Safety Plan? 

A safety plan is a set of steps you can choose to take to increase your safety and think through options and prepare for different situations at your own pace. It can include ideas for staying safer during an incident, leaving safely, protecting your privacy, gathering important documents, and identifying trusted people or places you can turn to for help.  

Safety During a Violent Incident 

You may not always be able to avoid violent incidents. If you sense that a situation may become violent, it may help to think ahead about the safest ways to respond. 

You may want to consider: 

• How to leave quickly if you need to (Doors, Windows, Fire Escapes, etc.) 

• Where you could go in an emergency, such as a public place, police station, fire station, or trusted friend or family member’s home 

• Keeping your wallet, phone, keys, or other essentials in a place you can access quickly 

• Creating a code word with children, family, or friends so they know when to call for help 

• Moving to a lower-risk area if an argument begins, away from rooms with weapons or rooms without an exit 

• Telling my neighbors about past violence and request they contact the police if they hear suspicious noises coming from my house.  

Every situation is different. Sometimes the safest choice in the moment is doing what you need to do to survive.  

Safety When Preparing to Leave 

Leaving can be one of the most dangerous times in an abusive relationship. Leaving home must be done with a careful plan. Preparing in advance, when possible, may help reduce risk. 

You may want to think about: 

• Setting aside money, extra keys, clothes, or copies of important documents with someone you know and trust 

• Opening a bank account in your own name, if safe to do so 

• Making a plan for pets 

• Packing an emergency bag for yourself and your children 

• Identifying safe exits from your home 

• Deciding where you would go and who you would call if you needed to leave quickly 

You do not have to do everything at once. Even small steps can matter.  

Safety at Home 

If you are staying in your home or returning to it, there may be ways to increase safety over time. 

Possible steps include: 

• Changing locks as soon as possible 

• Keeping doors and windows locked 

• Keeping your phone charged and nearby 

• Adding security measures such as camera doorbells, lights, extra locks, or other devices 

• Teaching children what to do if the abusive person shows up or tries to contact or take them 

• Exploring Address Confidentiality programs that help protect your address or location 

Not every option will fit every situation. Choose the steps that feel realistic and safe for you.  

Safety With an Order of Protection 

If you have an Order of Protection, keeping a copy with you at all times is helpful. You may also want to share copies with places or people who may need it, such as: 

• Local police departments 

• Your children’s school 

• Childcare providers 

• Trusted neighbors, family members, or friends 

• Your workplace, if appropriate 

If the abusive person violates the order, call the police right away. If firearms are involved, it is important to report as well.  

Technology Safety 

Technology can be used to monitor, track, or control survivors. Small digital safety steps may help protect your privacy. 

You may want to consider: 

• Changing passwords on your phone, email, banking, and other accounts 

• Creating new accounts if accounts were previously shared (iCloud, email, bank accounts, etc.) 

• Signing out of devices or accounts the other person may still access 

• Turning off or limiting location settings, app permissions, and Bluetooth settings 

• Making social media and messaging accounts private 

• Checking for tracking devices in your car, bag, or belongings 

• Getting a new phone or computer if you believe yours is being monitored 

• Checking for hidden cameras in your home 

Technology safety can be complicated. Trust your instincts and seek support if something feels off.  

Safety in Public and at Work 

You may decide to tell certain trusted people about your situation so they can help support your safety. Taking steps to plan for your safety in public or at work can help you feel more confident and prepared as you go about your daily routine. 

This might include: 

• Taking different routes to work, school, stores, or other regular places 

• Telling a supervisor, security staff member, or trusted co-worker 

• Asking someone at work to help screen calls or visitors 

• Changing routines when possible 

• Identifying safe public places you can go if you do not feel safe returning home 

Think carefully about who feels supportive, trustworthy, and helpful.  

Emotional Wellbeing Matters Too 

Abuse affects more than physical safety. It can also affect emotional wellbeing, energy, confidence, and mental health. 

You may find support in: 

• Calling a trusted friend, family member, counselor, or advocate 

• Attending workshops or support groups 

• Repeating a mantra, affirmation, or prayer that helps you feel grounded 

• Building routines or coping practices that help you feel calm 

• Taking steps that help you feel stronger and more supported 

Healing is not one-size-fits-all. You deserve support that meets your needs.  

Important Items to Take If You Leave 

If you have time to prepare, it may help to gather important items in advance or keep copies with someone you trust. 

These may include: 

• Identification 

• Birth certificates 

• Social Security cards 

• Passports 

• Driver’s license and registration 

• Money, checkbook, debit cards, or credit cards 

• Keys 

• Medications 

• Phone and charger 

• School and vaccination records 

• Immigration or work documents 

• A copy of an Order of Protection 

• Lease, rental agreement, or deed 

• Insurance papers 

• Medical records 

• Divorce papers 

• Sentimental items 

• Children’s favorite toys or blankets 

Not everyone can safely gather these items ahead of time. Do what is possible and safest for you.  

Important Phone Numbers to Keep Nearby 

Consider writing down important phone numbers in case you lose access to your phone. 

Helpful numbers may include: 

• 911 

• Local police or sheriff 

• Prosecutor’s office 

• Your attorney 

• Your children’s school 

• Your therapist or counselor 

• Trusted friends or family members 

• Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline: 877-863-6338 

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 

You may want to keep these numbers in more than one place.  

Need Legal Help or Support? 

The plan above does not take the place of speaking with an attorney and creating a personalized safety plan. North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic provides free, confidential legal aid to survivors of domestic violence in Lake County and north suburban Cook County. Our Domestic Violence Law Practice also helps connect survivors with social services and additional support. 

If you need assistance, contact us at info@nslegalaid.org or call 847-737-4042 to schedule a consultation. 

NSLAC also provides free legal aid in Immigration and Housing for qualifying residents.