Safety plans are a way of helping to support a victim of domestic abuse to protect themselves and their children. They help victims to plan in advance for the possibility of future violence and abuse.

A safety plan will not stop the violence or abuse but may support a victim think about how they can increase their safety either within the relationship, or if they decide to leave.

When is a safety plan needed?

There should be a safety plan in every case where domestic abuse is identified. Even if the victim is not ready to leave their abusive relationship it is important to assist them in putting a safety plan in place. Remember that the breakdown of a relationship and when a victim leaves their partners is a high risk time for escalation of abuse and violence. Even if the victim leaves the relationship or the perpetrator leaves the home the abuse may continue. Safety planning should not be done in isolation and should include other professionals, family or friends appropriately. Suggestions for safety planning are on the reverse of this factsheet.

The impact on the child

Children need to be part of safety planning in an appropriate way. They could for example be taught to call the police if the victim uses a specific code word. Children who have witnessed or heard abuse will be suffering emotional abuse and may be suffering other types of abuse. This needs to be considered in safety planning.

What needs to go in a prepared bag?

Victims that are planning to leave or may need to leave in an emergency should be encouraged to pack a prepared bag (also referred to as a survival kit). Consideration must be given to the safe storage of this bag and should not be in a place where the perpetrator may find it. Consider family members or workplace lockers. Mutual friends should be avoided.

This bag should ideally include;

• Identification, passport/driving licence
• Money, credit cards, bank details
• Change of clothes for victim and children
• Extra house/car keys
• Birth/marriage certificates
• National insurance number
• Legal documents (especially showing jointly owned property and details in relation to immigration status)
• Car registration and insurance documents
• Any documents related to children including passports, court orders or benefits
• Any documents relating to the abuse, police reports, court injunctions or orders as well as any diary they have kept of the abuse
• Medications, prescriptions and medical records
• Toiletries, extra nappies etc.
• Small items of sentimental value, children’s toys
• Address book and telephone numbers

Where it is not possible to take originals then photocopies should be taken.

Multi agency collaboration

Support victims to report incidents to the police or health professionals who can document them. Where there are orders in place to protect the victim and their children, ensure other professionals know so they can report breaches.

Support options

The Medway Domestic Abuse Service (MDAS)

Helpline: 0800 917 9948

Medway One Stop Shop, the Sunlight Centre Tuesday 9.30am to 11.30am.

Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Website

Victim support

0808 1689 276

National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV)

0800 970 2070 (injunctions and orders)

24hr Nation domestic abuse helpline

0808 2000 247

ManKind (male victims)

01823 334244

Men’s advice line

0808 801 0327

Karma Nirvana (honour based abuse victims)

www.karmanirvana.org.uk

0800 5999 247

 

Safety Plan Options Checklist

General Safety Planning

• Think about the unique risks posed to the victim in the home/work/social settings. What safety do they have in these settings? Does their employer know what is happening?
• Support victim to plan escape routes. High risk rooms to avoid are kitchen, garage and bathroom. Rooms without an outside exit should be avoided. Escape should be practiced, Window and door keys should be readily available.
• Develop code words with children or people they know to alert them that help is needed. Ensure children know how to ring 999 and have emergency numbers in their phones.
• Advise victim to carry a phone charger, keep phone charged and carry small change for a public phone.
• Advise victim to change routine where possible and does not cause adverse effect to their day. E.g. use a different bus route or change shopping day.

Additional support factors

• Does the victim or children have any substance misuse, mental health or disability issues?
• Are there any services to refer victim/children to?

Health and wellbeing

• Does the victim need any medical assistance as a result of the incident?
• Do they need to access general health services? E.g. GP/ dentist/ ante natal services.
• Do they need to access a SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) or a sexual health clinic?
• Do they have a disability that affect the safety options available to them?
• Are there wider support networks available?

Housing and security

• Does the victim need to access temporary accommodation? Is refuge suitable and necessary?
• What about other housing options? What is the safest option? What about longer term housing solution?
• What about security measures for the home? i.e. the sanctuary scheme, cocoon watch, personal safety packs, security lights, window locks.
• Consider requesting a Home Safety Check from Kent Fire and Rescue Service. Fire smoke detectors.
• Does the housing association/ authority know what is happening? Is there a notification flag on the address?
• Are there any arrears or housing action against perpetrator or victim?

Financial

• Does the victim have access to finances? If so, what? Benefits? Child benefits? Salary?
• Who is named on benefits? What account is it paid into?
• Does the perpetrator have access?
• Any debts? Any housing arrears? Whose are they?
• Are there any perpetrator/victim drug or alcohol issues which impact finances?
• Are there any immigration issues affecting the victim, perpetrator or any children?

Legal

• What criminal options are available? Coercive and controlling behaviour, stalking and harassment?
• Encourage police reporting and police response.
• What civil legal options are available? Is referral to a solicitor needed or use of the National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV)? Civil Orders: Non molestation order? Occupational Order? Prohibited Steps Order?
• Has there been any breaches of bail/ civil/ criminal orders?
• Are there any children? Is legal protection needed for the children?
• Any immigration issues? Do you need to refer on for immigration advice?
• Does the above affect the financial situation?
• Are probation involved with victim/ perpetrator? How can they help?

Separating & post separation

NOTE: Separation and the several months afterwards is a dangerous time. If possible, victims need to keep in regular contact with support services.

• Code words can be a useful way for the victims to tell others they need help.
• Contingency plans for escape routes should be considered.
• Victims should prepare a bag of clothes and possessions for themselves and children in case they leave in an emergency. Safe storage of this bag needs to be considered.
• Building in scheduled regular events each week into a victim’s routine (i.e. baby clinic/ baby group/ college) could give the victim a window of time to leave or meet professionals.
• Once a victim has left encourage them to change their phone number and routine.
• Only tell people you trust about their plans to leave. This may include letting the police know they are not missing.

Children

• Does the perpetrator have access to the children?
• Do they have PR/ custody?
• Is the school aware of the situation?
• Is the school a risky environment?
• Do they need to be factored into any orders?
• Consider what support the children might need.

Social Media

• Victims should keep evidence of calls, texts and contact on social media.
• Restrict options on social media, turn off location, block perpetrators friends and family, restrict to those trusted by the victim.

 

This guidance should be read in conjunction with the Kent and Medway Safeguarding Procedures. Factsheet developed in reference to Medway One Stop Shop’s Safety Plan Options Checklist, Woman’s aid and Reducing the risk.