INDIVIDUAL CONCEPTS AND ACTIVITIES
Choose one place to begin.
No activity requires disclosure or completion. Each heading has its own linkable address for sharing the exact concept without sending someone through the entire workbook.
CONCEPT 01
Safety planning is not a promise
A plan is a menu of possibilities, not a guarantee and not proof that you caused or failed to prevent harm. You may plan while staying, preparing, leaving, separated, co-parenting, dating, working, studying, or supporting someone.
Private reflection options
- What feels most urgent today?
- What choices must remain private?
- Who can help without taking over?
Write only what is safe to keep. Skip, adapt, pause, or use a trained advocate, attorney, licensed provider, qualified interpreter, or emergency service when appropriate.
CONCEPT 02
Immediate danger
Identify exits, safer rooms, emergency numbers, nearby people, code words, and barriers. Avoid rooms with weapons or limited exits when possible. Consider disability, language, immigration, rural access, and transportation.
Private reflection options
- Fastest safer exit or protected place
- Who can call for help
- A code word and what it means
Write only what is safe to keep. Skip, adapt, pause, or use a trained advocate, attorney, licensed provider, qualified interpreter, or emergency service when appropriate.
CONCEPT 03
Home
Consider doors, windows, lighting, locks, neighbors, building staff, cameras, spare keys, mail, deliveries, and routines. A visible change may increase risk, so plan with an advocate when possible.
Private reflection options
- Safer areas and exits
- Items that should remain accessible
- A low-visibility change that may help
Write only what is safe to keep. Skip, adapt, pause, or use a trained advocate, attorney, licensed provider, qualified interpreter, or emergency service when appropriate.
CONCEPT 04
Work or school
Options may include reception, security, scheduling, parking escorts, contact screening, remote-work privacy, and documentation. Ask what can remain confidential before disclosing.
Private reflection options
- One person or office to contact
- Arrival and departure plan
- What I consent to share
Write only what is safe to keep. Skip, adapt, pause, or use a trained advocate, attorney, licensed provider, qualified interpreter, or emergency service when appropriate.
CONCEPT 05
Children and dependents
Use clear, age-appropriate, non-blaming plans. Children are not responsible for stopping violence. Teach how to reach help, where to go, and that their job is safety.
Private reflection options
- Words a child or dependent can understand
- Safe adult and location
- School, childcare, or medical records to review
Write only what is safe to keep. Skip, adapt, pause, or use a trained advocate, attorney, licensed provider, qualified interpreter, or emergency service when appropriate.
CONCEPT 06
Transportation
Consider fuel, transit cards, rides, keys, parking, routine changes, vehicle trackers, mobility equipment, and transportation for children or pets.
Private reflection options
- Two transportation options
- A pickup point that protects privacy
- What must travel with me
Write only what is safe to keep. Skip, adapt, pause, or use a trained advocate, attorney, licensed provider, qualified interpreter, or emergency service when appropriate.
CONCEPT 07
Technology
Plan for safer devices, account recovery, location settings, shared plans, smart-home devices, connected vehicles, cloud photos, and authentication. Preserve evidence before changes when safe and useful.
Private reflection options
- Accounts with shared access
- A safer email or device
- Who can advise before changes
Write only what is safe to keep. Skip, adapt, pause, or use a trained advocate, attorney, licensed provider, qualified interpreter, or emergency service when appropriate.
CONCEPT 08
Pets and animals
Planning may involve records, medication, carriers, food, identification, veterinarians, trusted people, boarding, or survivor-pet programs. Avoid revealing a safe placement unnecessarily.
Private reflection options
- Temporary care options
- Records and supplies
- Safe transport plan
Write only what is safe to keep. Skip, adapt, pause, or use a trained advocate, attorney, licensed provider, qualified interpreter, or emergency service when appropriate.
CONCEPT 09
Documents, medication, and essentials
Possible copies include identification, insurance, court papers, immigration records, financial information, prescriptions, medical records, keys, cash, chargers, and accessibility supplies.
Private reflection options
- First 24-hour essentials
- Hard-to-replace items
- A safe storage option
Write only what is safe to keep. Skip, adapt, pause, or use a trained advocate, attorney, licensed provider, qualified interpreter, or emergency service when appropriate.
CONCEPT 10
Staying and leaving
There is no single correct timeline. Leaving can be a process and may increase risk. Staying may reflect safety strategy, money, children, disability, culture, immigration, love, housing, or limited options - not consent to abuse.
Private reflection options
- What helps while I remain
- Quiet preparation that may be possible
- What changes my emergency threshold
Write only what is safe to keep. Skip, adapt, pause, or use a trained advocate, attorney, licensed provider, qualified interpreter, or emergency service when appropriate.
CONCEPT 11
Review and adapt
Review after changes in threats, separation, court orders, housing, work, technology, health, pregnancy, children, transportation, or support.
Private reflection options
- Date to review
- Who can review with me
- One change I want now
Write only what is safe to keep. Skip, adapt, pause, or use a trained advocate, attorney, licensed provider, qualified interpreter, or emergency service when appropriate.