Safety Plan

WHY DO I NEED A SAFETY PLAN?

Everyone deserves a relationship that is healthy, safe, and supportive. If you are in a relationship that is hurting you, it is important for you to know that the abuse is not your fault. It is also important for you to start thinking of ways to keep yourself safe from the abuse, whether you decide to end the relationship or not. While you can’t control your partner’s abusive behavior, you can take action to keep yourself as safe as possible.

WHAT IS A SAFETY PLAN?

A safety plan is a practical guide that helps you lower your risk of being hurt by your abuser. It includes information specific to you and your life that will help keep you safe. A good safety plan helps you think through lifestyle changes that will help keep you as safe as possible on campus, in the dorms, and other places you go on a daily basis.

HOW DO I MAKE A SAFETY PLAN

Take some time for yourself and go through each section of this safety plan, which can be found and downloaded below. You can complete the plan on your own or you can work through it with someone that you trust.

KEEP IN MIND: – In order for this safety plan to work for you, you will need to fill in personalized answers, so you can use the information when YOU need it most. – Once you complete your safety plan, be sure to keep it in an accessible but secure location. You might also consider giving a copy of your plan to someone you trust. – Getting support from someone who has experience working with college students in abusive relationships can be very useful.

****You can now send emergency communications via text message to 9-1-1 in any part of New Jersey**** Dispatchers in all 21 counties of the state are standing by, 24 hours a day. Our dispatchers ask that, if possible, call rather than text during an emergency situation. Calls to 9-1-1 provide more information to dispatchers in less time than text messages do. Nationally, the Federal guidance is to “Call When You Can… Text When You Can’t.” However, there are many times when we can’t call in an emergency, and that’s when text to 9-1-1 can be a lifesaver. Those with hearing loss or speech impediments should use text to 9-1-1 whenever possible. In addition, everyone should text to 9-1-1 when it’s unsafe to talk or cellular voice signal is unavailable. All you need to do during an emergency is type the numbers 911 in the send prompt and enter your location in the message field. In addition, you should attempt to include a short message about the nature of your emergency before you hit the Send key.

For more information, please see the following links:

http://rupd.rutgers.edu/RUPD_files/Text_911_Flyer.pdf

http://www.tech.nj.gov/911

http://victimsofcrime.org/our-programs/stalking-resource-center/help-for-victims/stalking-safety-planning

Download Safety Plan Guide Here: