Safety planning

Any process of risk identification or assessment must be followed by risk management or safety planning. It can help empower your client as they should lead the process by focussing on their strengths.

Who should do Safety Planning?

Generally safety planning should be completed between a specialist practitioner (an expert in domestic abuse) and the client. This means that the client has access to full explanations of all options and access to expert information on how these options may or may not be suitable.

Safety planning must be an individualised process which is led by the victim. It helps them to think about how they can increase their safety either within the relationship, as they plan to leave or following the relationship ending. Only they know what is achievable for them and what has worked, or not worked, in the past.

General tips for all professionals

It is important that all professionals can signpost victims appropriately and offer immediate safety advice to clients. This forms the basis of more detailed safety planning and may include the following:

• Ensuring the client knows to call 999 in an emergency.
• Having details of local specialist services and the Live Fear Free Helpline on hand to share with clients.
• Advising the client to keep a small amount of money on them at all times for bus or taxi fares.
• Advising the client to try and keep their mobile phone with them at all times and keeping it charged.
• Encouraging the client to engage with services which can help them and their children.
• Engaging in multi agency discussions such as local MARACs or the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).

Examples of Safety Plans

There are many detailed safety plans available, some of which are tailored to specific groups, such as young people:

• Against Violence and Abuse (External link)
• Safelives (External link)
• Women’s Aid (External link)