People who are experiencing relationship violence can make a safety plan whether they choose to stay in or choose to leave the relationship. If you are an advocate working with a client, make sure he/she feels safe and comfortable before discussing how to develop a strategy:
- Can the client talk right now? Is it safe to talk?
- Does he/she want to work on a safety plan?
- Are all considerations being discussed, e.g. does the client have any special needs or concerns that should be explored?
- Does the client understand the safety plan he/she created? Can it be followed even in a moment of crisis?
Technology and internet safety planning are vital. With the ubiquity of GPS-enabled devices (smartphones, tablets, and cars) it’s very important to be aware of how devices work and what can be done to create an additional level of protection with them.
There are a number of states and localities with anti-violence projects. These are coalitions and agencies which connect to stop violence against people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, or queer. As an advocate I’ve worked with many people who have reported violence in a variety of relationship circumstances. While nobody should ever have to experience intimate partner violence, many people who are in same-sex relationships face additional social and life challenges as a result of abuse. These should be considered in creating a safety plan.
Also, remember when working with clients, to emphasize that they are not at fault for the abuse they suffer. Abuse is always someone else’s decision and actions. The same can be said for providing support for friends and family. Safety planning is a tool to help those who suffer injustice; not a means to make them feel responsible for abuse.
the black window 