For many survivors of sexual assault, safety can be a major concern and planning can be an on-going process. Safety planning is not just brainstorming ways to stay safe before and/or after an assault, it is also an empowerment tool. Feeling safe is an important part of the healing process. Please remember that, since no two people are alike, no two plans are alike. Safety plans are based on the survivor's presenting needs which can be physical, emotional, financial, spiritual, or social. Here are a few safety planning tips:
Seek Medical Assistance
- If the survivor is 13 years of age and older and the assault occurred within 7 days, they have the option of activating S.A.R.T. to receive medical treatment and have a sexual assault forensic exam (or rape kit) done.
- If they do not want the exam done or it has been more than 7 days since the assault, they can visit their primary care doctor or OB/GYN to ensure physical health.
Planning for Physical Safety
- If the survivor is not feeling safe where they are, suggest they go to visit a friend, family member, or a shelter.
- Does the perpetrator know where the survivor lives, phone number, or daily routine? Suggest having a friend or loved one stay with them for a while. They can also try to switch up their daily routine and change their phone number/block unwanted calls.
- Has the perpetrator contacted or threatened the survivor? There is always the the option of filing for a restraining/protective order.
- Always have a form of communication handy. Make sure phones are charged and have emergency numbers programmed.
Confronting a Perpetrator
- If a survivor expresses they want to confront their perpetrator, or are considering it, ask what they hope to gain from the confrontation. Discuss the pros/cons and realistic expectations so that they can make a decision they are comfortable with.
- Discuss the plan: would it be face-to-face, over the phone, via social media? Do they plan on going alone or do they need someone for support?
- Discuss and plan for after the confrontation. Take into consideration any possible safety issues. Ensure the survivor is not alone and has a supportive environment post confrontation.
Encountering Perpetrator in Public
- If the survivor knows places their perpetrator frequents that they also visit, have them consider going at different times to avoid seeing them.
- Discuss an exit strategy should they learn their perpetrator is in the area.
- Have the survivor consider going to alternative stores.
- Consider having a buddy system in place for when they have to go somewhere they may encounter the perpetrator.
Safety at School/On Campus
- Inquire with campus PD if arrangements can be made to have a police escort if classes are scheduled during the night time or if parking is far from the building.
- Inquire with the administration if there is permitted parking closer to the building, given the circumstances.
- Explore school/campus support systems. Many colleges/universities have a crisis/counseling center on site. Or use the buddy system and walk with a classmate between classes, to lunch, their car, etc.
- Encourage the survivor to alert their support systems of any concerns and have someone they can reach out to if needed.
Internet/Social Media Safety
- Be mindful of privacy settings that may disclose current locations and places frequented.
- In the event that the perpetrator may know the survivor's WiFi password, consider changing it. This change can prevent the perpetrator from accessing devices like Google Home or iHome.
- Encourage the survivor to do a Google search of themselves/their children to learn what information is out there that can be dangerous.
- If there is contact by the perpetrator on social media via direct message (DM) or texts, encourage the survivor to take screenshots. This is a helpful way of documenting the behavior.