Sexual Assault Safety Planning

A sexual assault safety plan is a written document created by a survivor that sets out ways the survivor can stay safe and reduces the risk of harm. A safety plan is tailored to meet the survivor's individual needs and safety concerns. 

A safety plan is used to help keep the survivor and their family as safe as possible. A safety plan also helps empower a survivor by allowing them to reclaim a sense of security and safety. 

You should consider creating a safety plan if you are a survivor of sexual assault or if there is a risk of any type of abuse or unsafe situation. 

A safety plan can include anything that will help you feel safer. It is tailored to your individual needs and circumstances, but the following are a few things you should always consider:

• Contact information for emergencies;
• How to stay safe at home (e.g. locks, emergency alarm, code word for opening doors);
• How to stay safe at work, school, or both;
• How to stay safe in public (e.g. always have someone walk you to your car, keeping your keys and cell phone accessible);
• Limiting identifying information on social media and routinely changing passwords;
• What to do if there is contact with the perpetrator; and
• How to cope with mental and emotional triggers. 

You can use the following resources to create your own safety plan:

• Sexual Assault Safety Plan Worksheet
• Texas Advocacy Project
  • Detailed Safety Plan
  • Short Form Safety Plan
  • Safety Plan for Teens
• RAINN Safety Planning
• Texas Department of Criminal Justice Victim Services Division, Personal Safety Plan

For assistance with legal issues, you can contact Legal Aid for Survivors of Sexual Assault.

For assistance with other types of issues, you can contact:

• RAINN
• The National Sexual Violence Resource Center
•  Safe Alliance (for Travis county and surrounding areas); and
• 211 (to find your local crisis center).

IMPORTANT things to remember before making contact:

• Make sure you are using a safe device;
• You should have the option of remaining anonymous when you make contact;
• Many hotlines have the option to text or chat if this is more comfortable for you; and
• When leaving a voicemail, state if your callback number is safe.