5 Safety Planning Steps You Can Take Today

You Don't Have to Have Everything Figured Out

Safety planning can feel overwhelming—like you need a perfect, foolproof plan before you can take any action. But the truth is, you don't need to have everything sorted to begin. Safety planning is a process, and even small, intentional steps can make a real difference in protecting yourself and your children.

This guide walks you through five practical steps you can take right now to improve your safety. Some may feel more relevant to your situation than others—that's okay. Start where you feel comfortable and build from there.

Step 1: Identify Safe People You Can Contact

Your support network is one of your greatest assets. This isn't about having lots of friends; it's about identifying people who will listen without judgment and help when you need it.

Think about who in your life meets these criteria:

• They believe and support you
• They're not connected to the person causing harm (or if they are, they've firmly chosen your side)
• They're accessible—you can reach them by phone, in person, or online
• They can provide practical help (a place to stay, a listening ear, transportation, childcare)

Write down 3-5 names. Include their phone numbers, addresses, or where you might find them. You could keep this list on your phone, memorised, or written somewhere only you can access. Brief these people. You don't need to share everything—just let them know they're part of your safety network and that you may reach out if you need support.

Step 2: Gather and Secure Important Documents

Important documents are critical if you need to leave quickly or navigate legal processes later. Documents like birth certificates, passports, medical records, financial statements, and proof of income can be hard to replace and essential for securing housing, enrolling children in school, or proving custody.

Where possible, gather copies of:

• Birth certificates (yours and your children's)
• Passport or driver's license
• Medical records and vaccination history
• School records
• Bank statements and financial records
• Insurance documents
• Custody orders or family law documents (if applicable)
• Tenancy agreements or mortgage documents

Store copies somewhere safe that only you can access: a safety deposit box at a bank, with a trusted friend or family member, or a secure cloud storage account. Keep originals somewhere you can retrieve them quickly if needed. Don't store them all in one obvious place at home.

Step 3: Plan Your Exit Route and Safe Spaces

Thinking through how you'd leave isn't about giving up—it's about being prepared. Knowing your options reduces panic and helps you act quickly if needed.

Consider:

• Multiple ways out: Which doors, windows, or routes could you use to leave safely? Are there back exits from rooms?
• Safe destinations: Where would you go first? (A friend's house, a family member, a refuge, a public place)
• Childcare plan: If you have children, where would they be safe? Who could help you collect them?
• Code words: Agree on a code word or phrase with trusted people that signals "I need help now" without drawing attention. For example, "I left my glasses at your place" could mean "call the police."
• Emergency bag: Keep a small bag packed with essentials: medications, spare clothes, phone chargers, cash, important phone numbers, copies of documents. Hide it somewhere accessible but not obvious.

Write down these plans, or keep them memorised. Don't store them somewhere the other person might find them.

Step 4: Protect Your Digital Footprint

Your phone, email, and online presence can reveal a lot about your movements, contacts, and plans. This is an area where you can act today to increase your safety.

Practical steps:

• Check your phone: Disable location sharing, turn off automatic backups to shared accounts, and remove cloud sync if your partner has access.
• Review app permissions: Apps that track location, access your contacts, or monitor your activity can be turned off. Check your phone settings.
• Create a private email: Set up a new email account on a device the other person can't access. Use it to communicate with advocates, lawyers, doctors, or support services.
• Use safe browsers: If you search for information about escaping abuse or support services, use private/incognito browsing mode, or access from a public computer or trusted person's device. Clear your search history regularly.
• Check shared accounts: Review who has access to your banking apps, photo storage, or other accounts. Change passwords to something complex and unique.
• Be careful on social media: If the person monitors your posts or messages, consider limiting who can see your content or creating a private account they don't follow.

Step 5: Connect With Professional Support

You're not meant to do this alone. Professional services exist to support survivors, and reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Services available to you:

• 1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732 for free, 24/7 confidential counselling, advice about safety planning, and referrals to local services. You don't have to give your name.
• DV Connect QLD: Call 1800 811 811 for information about refuges, counselling, and support services in Queensland.
• The Purple Arrow: We connect survivors with advocates, legal support, and resources tailored to your situation. Contact us to start.
• Your GP: Your doctor can document injuries, provide referrals to counselling, and advocate for you within health and social services.
• Police: If you're in immediate danger, always call 000. You can also make a non-emergency report to establish a record of incidents.
• Legal aid services: Free or low-cost legal advice and representation for protection orders, family law, and other needs.

Reach out to at least one of these services. You're taking control of your safety, and you deserve support.

You Are Not Alone

Safety planning is a journey, not a checklist. You might tackle these steps over days or weeks, and that's perfectly okay. The important thing is that you're thinking about your safety and taking action—however small—to protect yourself and your children.

Every step forward matters. You deserve safety, support, and a future free from harm.