57 www.rnca.ca continued Safety Planning Designed by Freepik 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. 1. Prevention Preventing future violence • Going to a shelter. • Moving to another residence. • Getting a peace bond. • Hiding or disarming weapons. • Changing schedules and routes to avoid being found. 2. Protection Looking at ways the person can protect themselves during a violent incident • 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. 3. Notification Arranging ways to get help in a crisis • Cell phone. • Emergency numbers on hand. • Lifelines (personal security devices).
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