Safety planning is a critical first step when preparing to leave a violent partner.
Although you can’t control an abuser’s use of violence, you can plan how you will respond to future abusive or violent incidents, prepare for the possibility of an incident happening, and you can plan how to get to safety. It is your decision if and when you tell others that you have been abused, or that you are still at risk. Friends, family, and coworkers can help with your safety plan if they are aware of the situation and want to help.
Source: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ncadv.org)
Steps to Safety Planning
Steps to Safety Planning
Erica's Story
Erica’s Story
How You Can Help
Safety Is The First Step
InterAct’s around-the-clock crisis lines are available to people dealing with abuse to answer questions, provide assistance, and help prepare a safety plan.
What exactly is a “safety plan”? It is a proactive strategy someone in an abusive situation/relationship creates with a trained counselor laying out steps to take that can help keep themselves and their families safe.
While a person may not have control over their abuser’s violence, they can prepare how to anticipate and respond to abuse and use their safety plan.
While it can be hard to understand why a person stays in a violent situation, it is important to know that statistics show that leaving a domestic violence relationship is often the most dangerous time for a victim.
The decision to disclose experiences of abuse or ongoing risk is the victim’s to make. If they share this information, friends, family, and coworkers can assist in implementing the safety plan if they are aware of InterAct’s crisis lines, which are available as a resource.
InterAct’s crisis lines are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: (919) 828-7740; (866) 291-0855 toll-free
SEXUAL ASSAULT: (919) 828-3005; (866) 291-0853 toll-free
SPANISH: (844) 203-8896
Erica’s Story
Erica contacted InterAct’s crisis line seeking support after her abusive partner was arrested. Erica felt her home would no longer be safe once her abuser was released from jail. She was seeking assistance with safety planning and education on domestic violence.
Financial information about this organization may be requested by contacting InterAct’s Chief Development Officer, Lori Richards at lorir@interactofwake.org or by calling 919-867-6722.
Erica’s Story
Erica’s relationship with InterAct began when she called the crisis line for support after her abusive partner’s arrest. Fearing for her safety once he was released from jail, Erica sought assistance from InterAct to help her create a plan for her safety.
Collaborating with a skilled crisis counselor, Erica not only crafted an all-encompassing safety plan but also engaged with InterAct’s dedicated court team to secure a Domestic Violence Protection Order. This marked the starting point for her transformation to a life free from domestic violence.
Motivated and resilient, Erica set ambitious goals for herself with the support of her InterAct case manager, including securing safe housing, getting mental health support, and mastering budgeting skills. Her case manager advocated for Erica to secure housing enhancing her safety. Erica also installed security cameras to further fortify her security.
To help maintain Erica’s confidentiality, the case manager enrolled her in the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), shielding Erica’s new address from her abuser. The support extended beyond safety measures as the case manager made referrals for therapeutic services, which Erica regularly attended.
Understanding the significance of financial stability, Erica received financial counseling through her case manager, equipping her with the skills to successfully maintain a budget.
Today, Erica lives in safe and stable housing, having achieved the goals collaboratively set with her case manager. Her transformative journey is a testament to resilience, support, and the empowering effect of InterAct’s comprehensive programs.
All of InterAct’s services are free to victims and survivors like Erica because of supporters and donors like you. Erica is living proof of the remarkable transformation that can occur when YOU GIVE.
Your generosity helps survivors rebuild their lives and secure a safer future.
