DV: Developing a Safety Plan

I think a lot of domestic violence victims are afraid to come forth because they don't want to be forced to leave their home, make all of those drastic changes, and have to face that danger of leaving the situation. But that's not the way that at least I was trained.

You cannot force a victim to leave such a violent situation, but you can give them the tools needed to make that decision when the time is right, on his/her own time. And that's what a safety plan is.

Here are two pieces from a handout I received while receiving my domestic violence counselor certification:

Again, please, if you are a victim, know that it is not your fault, and that there is help.

Previous posts on domestic violence here.

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE(4673)