06 Staying safe

A safety plan is simply thinking ahead.

There is no single right way to respond to abuse. You know your situation best. A personal safety plan can help you think through options before, during, or after a dangerous moment.

Talk With Us See planning steps

Using a shared device? Internet and phone activity may be monitored and cannot always be completely erased. Use a safer device if you can.

Technology safety

Assume a shared device may leave traces.

Phones, computers, vehicles, accounts, and connected devices can reveal activity or location. Make changes only when they feel safe. If you are unsure, use a safer device to talk with an advocate first.

01

Use a safer device

If possible, plan from a library, workplace, shelter, or trusted person's device that the abuser cannot access.

02

Do not rely on private mode

Private or incognito browsing does not remove every trace. Browser, account, router, and device activity may still be visible.

03

Review location carefully

Phones, shared accounts, vehicles, wearables, and smart-home devices may share location or other activity.

04

Limit public clues

Avoid live check-ins and location details. Ask trusted people not to tag you, your children, or your location without permission.

Your personal safety plan

Think through the moments that matter.

A plan should fit your life, your risks, and your choices. Use only the ideas that make sense for you and are safe to prepare.

  1. 01

    Choose trusted people

    Decide who can help and consider a code word or signal that means you need them to follow an agreed plan.

  2. 02

    Notice safer ways out

    Identify rooms with exits and places away from weapons. Think through how you and others could leave safely.

  3. 03

    Keep numbers available

    Know who you can call, including trusted people, Whispers, emergency services, and the Iowa Victim Service Call Center.

  4. 04

    Know what you may need

    If safe, know where to find identification, keys, medication, money, legal papers, and essential records.

  5. 05

    Include children and pets

    Think about safe transportation, care, school information, medications, and who can help without increasing risk.

  6. 06

    Plan for after you leave

    Consider routines, appointments, work, school, mail, account access, and who should know how to support your safety.

If you are preparing to leave

Know where the essentials are.

Leaving can be a dangerous time. You do not need to gather everything or take any step that increases your risk. An advocate can help you build a plan around your circumstances.

  • Driver's license, birth certificates, and Social Security cards
  • House and car keys, medications, and a phone or charger
  • Money, cards, account details, and insurance information
  • Protective orders, custody papers, and other legal documents
  • Children's school records, medical information, and necessities
  • Emergency contacts and a safe transportation option