Safety Across All Abilities: Part Two: Safety Planning That Fits Your Life

"Safety isn't one-size-fits-all—because people aren't one-size-fits-all."

If you've ever looked up safety planning online, you've probably found a checklist.

Pack a bag.

Gather important papers.

Memorize phone numbers.

Those suggestions can certainly be helpful—but no checklist can account for every person's life.

At Branches, safety planning begins with a much simpler question:

"What would help you feel safer?"

Every survivor's circumstances are different.

For some, safety planning means considering children or pets.

For others, it may include medications, medical equipment, transportation, service animals, or communication devices.

Rather than expecting people to fit into a standard plan, we believe the best plans are built around the individual.

That means talking through practical questions like:

• Who are the trusted people you could call?

• What important medications or medical information would you want to have available?

• If you use mobility equipment or other assistive devices, what would you need to take with you?

• If speaking on the phone isn't the safest option, what other ways could you communicate?

• What documents would be important to keep together?

  
  

Interestingly, many of these ideas are helpful for everyone.

Parents of young children, older adults, people recovering from surgery, and anyone managing a chronic health condition can all benefit from thinking ahead before a crisis happens.

Good planning isn't about expecting the worst.

It's about giving yourself more choices if you ever need them.

There is no perfect safety plan.

There is only the plan that works best for your life.

That's why our advocates work alongside survivors to create plans that reflect each person's goals, priorities, and circumstances—not someone else's.

Safety Across All Abilities

The best safety plan isn't the one that looks perfect on paper. It's the one that helps you move toward safety in a way that fits your life.

Looking for Support?

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, Branches is here to help. Our advocates work with each survivor to develop practical, personalized plans that reflect their unique circumstances, priorities, and goals. You don't have to navigate this alone. Contact an advocate at 304-529-2382 to start a conversation.

Missed Part 1? Read Safety Across All Abilities: Every Person Deserves to Feel Safe