South Ayrshire Multi Agency Partnership

Information For Workers

Safety Planning For A Woman Experiencing Domestic Abuse

A safety plan needs to reflect each individual's specific circumstances. Remember to discuss any risks associated with the safety plan, eg Where will she keep emergency numbers so that the abuser won't find them? What if he finds out she is intending to leave?

Your role is to support/work with the woman to develop her own safety plan - not to construct one for her. Empowerment is part of the process.

Safety planning is not a one-off process. The safety plan will change as her situation changes.

Crucial questions to address include:
What does she need to be safe?
What has she considered or done in the past to keep safe?
What's worked in the past?
What hasn't worked?
Does she have friends or family she can stay with?
Would she consider going to a refuge?
What is her financial situation?
Does she have access to transport?
Does she have someone she can trust, friend or agency, to store a set of clothing or small amount of money for her?
Has she considered calling Women's Aid for support and information?

In almost every situation, children are aware of the abuse. Children want to be told what's happening. Generally it is important that the woman talks to the children and explains the situation. However, the woman should decide how much information it is safe to give.