You don't have to figure out the next step alone.
If you are experiencing domestic or sexual violence, we can help connect you with trusted resources for safety, shelter, crisis support, advocacy, and other immediate needs.
IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, CALL 911 !
Text BEGIN to 88788
Every situation is different. There is no single safest way to leave an abusive relationship. The information below is provided for general education and is not a substitute for an individualized safety plan. A trained domestic violence advocate can help you consider your circumstances and develop a plan specific to you and your children.
Planning for Safety
You know your situation better than anyone. If you are thinking about leaving an abusive relationship—or simply trying to stay safer while you decide what comes next—a personalized safety plan can help you think through your options.
Consider identifying people you trust, places you could go, important documents and medications you may need, transportation options, and how you would safely communicate with people who can help. If children or pets are involved, include their needs in your planning as well.
Because leaving can sometimes increase danger, there is no single plan that is right for everyone. A trained domestic violence advocate can help you create a safety plan based on your individual circumstances.
Digital Safety
Technology can be used to monitor, locate, or contact someone without their knowledge. If you are concerned that someone may be monitoring your activity, consider using a device or account they cannot access when looking for help.
Location sharing, shared cloud accounts, family phone plans, browser history, social media, smart-home devices, vehicle apps, email accounts, and saved passwords can sometimes reveal information about your location or plans.
Avoid making sudden changes to accounts or devices if doing so could alert someone or put you at greater risk. A domestic violence advocate can help you think through technology safety based on your circumstances.
Surviving and Thriving
After You Leave
Leaving doesn't always mean the need for safety planning is over. An abusive person may continue attempts to contact, monitor, intimidate, stalk, or control a survivor after separation.
Depending on your circumstances, you may want to consider your privacy and location information, passwords and accounts, children's school or childcare arrangements, workplace safety, transportation routines, documentation of unwanted contact, housing security, and legal protections that may be available.
You don't have to navigate these decisions alone. Survivor advocates and community organizations can help you identify resources and determine which options make sense for you.
We're Stronger Together
Help Someone You Care About
You don't have to have all the answers to make a difference. If someone tells you they are experiencing abuse, one of the most important things you can do is listen, believe them, and remind them that support is available.
Avoid blaming them, confronting the abusive person, or pressuring them to leave before they're ready. Instead, ask what they need, respect their decisions, help them explore available resources, and continue being someone they can safely turn to.
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is simply: “I believe you. How can I help?”