Stay Safe This Summer: Practice Planning for You, Your Family, and Your Devices

By: Olivia Hernandez

July is National Safety Month, a time to reflect on how we can protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our digital spaces. Whether you’re navigating an unsafe relationship, trying to protect your children or pets, or just want to be more intentional about online safety, having a plan in place can give you peace of mind and help you take control.

Here’s a guide to help you get started.

Personal Safety Planning

If you’re in a harmful or controlling relationship, creating a safety plan is one of the most empowering steps you can take. A good safety plan is customized to your situation and helps prepare you for emergencies, even if you’re not ready or able to leave right away.

Helpful steps include:

• Identify safe places where you can go in an emergency.
• Choose a code word to use with friends or family to signal that you need help.
• Make copies of important documents and store them securely, or give them to someone you trust.
• Contact local resources like Beacon of Hope Crisis Center for help.

Planning with Children

Children can experience emotional pain and distress from witnessing or being caught in domestic violence. It’s crucial to include them in your safety plans in an age-appropriate way.

Suggestions:

• Teach them how and when to call 911.
• Identify a safe room in the house where there are no weapons.
• Create a simple plan they can follow if a situation escalates.
• Let schools and childcare providers know if there are custody or safety concerns.

Pet Safety

Pets are often targeted in abusive situations. Planning ahead can help ensure they are protected, too.

Pet safety tips:

• Research domestic violence shelters that accept pets or offer temporary placement care for pets.
• Keep vet records, ID tags, food, and medication in a pet bag.
• If possible, ask a trusted friend or family member if they could temporarily care for your pet/s.

Tech & Digital Safety

Technology can be used by abusers to track, monitor, or control survivors. Practicing digital safety is essential.

Tips for tech safety:

• Turn off location services on phones, apps, and social media.
• Regularly update and change passwords. Use two-factor authentication.
• Check for spyware or unfamiliar apps.
• Avoid posting real-time updates or locations on social media.
• Consider using a secondary phone or a safe device.

Being in a place where you have to safety plan can be frightening, but it does not need to be a journey that you go into unprepared. For additional support and options, do not hesitate to contact our confidential crisis line at 317-731-6140. By calling our crisis line or filling out our contact page, you can connect with our trained team and receive free supportive services.

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