What is a safety plan in domestic violence?
Domestic violence is rampant in socio-economic and cultural groups, in all geographical areas. Regardless of race, gender, and age, a considerable number of individuals have experienced domestic violence all over the world.
In Australia, most victims of domestic violence are women. Yet, men and children are also susceptible to such circumstances, hence it does not choose any sector. As violence can occur any time of the day, more and more individuals, NGOs, and government departments seek to cry for help. Therefore, a safety plan for the victims and the probable victims of domestic violence is devised for protection and safety from emotional, physical, and mental abuse; and finally, freedom.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is any form of harm done towards a person, whether physical, emotional, or mental, which can affect their perceptions, choices and everyday activities. Though it does not have a concrete definition, it negatively affects people across all genders and ages, which in turn makes them more vulnerable and sensitive. This can affect the victim’s capacity to live as it brings trauma in all human aspects.
What’s your safety plan?
If you’re in an abusive relationship or household, it is deemed necessary to know what you must do to exit a toxic environment. As such, you should need to prepare belongings, and important files and materials for your escape to not be prevented by your abuser. In most cases, it should remain discreet as well.
Here’s what you should do to flee the unsafe zone:
Get your Emergency Suitcase
You should at least bring your valuables to secure your needs by the time you finally decide or have the urge to get out from the environment. With this, if you feel like you are violated almost every day, you need to bring a suitcase to get out fast. Your emergency pack must include:
–Cash, and credit and debit cards
–Clothes
–Any form of Identification
–Important Files (birth certificates, insurance papers, etc.)
–Include jewellery or anything valuable
–Car and house keys
–Phone & charger
These should always be prepared so you’ll always be ready when you have decided it’s time to get away from your abuser. You can even reach out to a trusted friend and make sure to leave a sign when it’s a go signal already.
Make an escape plan
You must always know when to flee especially when everyday violence is experienced. Getting away when the perpetrator is not around is always the best idea, as you will not make doubts anymore and your abuser cannot make threats once you leave. Usually, abused individuals know when their perpetrators come and go, so it is also important to know their whereabouts.
Report directly to the authorities
Worse comes to place, your perpetrator may know where you will go when you escape. You might go to a faraway place, but it is recommended to report the abusive experience to the authorities. In this way, your abuser might get a restraining order to keep you safe. You may also have pictures as evidence for the abuse that leaves a great gravity to file an order before the court.
If deep in your gut you know that you are abused, it’s best to execute your escape plan and prepare your valuables. As domestic violence can happen anytime, know when to take a stand. It might be of deep sadness to experience it too; if you happen to know a friend who is abused, reach out to them.
