What should be included in an abuse safety plan?

• A. Emergency medical treatment only
• B. Strategies for staying safe, including emergency contacts and escape routes
• C. Legal counsel
• D. Nothing

Answer: (B)

Safety planning centers on practical steps to reduce risk and protect yourself in abusive situations. A solid abuse safety plan includes strategies for staying safe, such as identifying emergency contacts, knowing how to reach help quickly, and outlining escape routes or safe places to go during an incident. It also covers having ready-to-grab essentials, keeping important documents accessible, arranging transportation, and planning for dependents like children or pets. The plan is tailored to your situation and ready to use when you’re in danger, helping you act quickly and stay as safe as possible.

Emergency medical treatment is essential when harm has occurred, but it addresses response after danger, not how to avoid harm or escape in the moment. Legal counsel or protective orders can be part of longer-term safety, but they don’t provide the immediate, actionable steps needed for daily safety. Doing nothing offers no plan at all, which increases risk. The option that emphasizes concrete safety strategies, emergency contacts, and escape routes best supports immediate and ongoing safety.