Abuse
How Do I Stay Safe?

“How Do I Stay Safe?” Help for Victims (2018)

“How Do I Stay Safe?” Help for Victims

How Do I Stay Safe?

Your safety is the most important consideration in a situation of abuse. No one is expected to endure abusive behavior. You can reach out to services for help and develop a safety plan to help keep you safe from further abuse. There are situations where it is advisable to leave.

Services

There are many groups and services that can help protect you and prevent further abuse. These can include:

  • Civil authorities

  • Child protective services

  • Adult protective services

  • Victim advocates

  • Medical or counseling professionals

  • Shelters

If you are not sure which resources to contact, see In Crisis? Talk Now or contact Family Services. You may also consider reaching out to your bishop.

Safety Plans

A safety plan is a personalized plan to help you know what to do when faced with abusive situations. This plan can guide you and family members in situations you may be in to reduce your risk of harm.

Safety plans can include but are not limited to:

  • Identifying family and friends you can trust

  • Gathering phone numbers of resources in case of emergency (civil authorities, family, or friends)

  • Securing financial means to meet basic needs

  • Planning how to access transportation to get to a safe place, if necessary

  • Locating places you can go to get away, if necessary (such as family, friends, or a shelter)

  • Identifying what you will do in dangerous situations

  • Talking with your children and other family members about what they can do in dangerous situations

The resources below can help you learn more about safety plans and develop a plan that fits your specific situation and needs.

Community and Church Resources

(Some of the resources listed below are not created, maintained, or controlled by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While these materials are intended to serve as additional resources, the Church does not endorse any content that is not in keeping with its doctrines and teachings.)

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