Safety Planning

Safe Harbor prioritizes the safety of individuals impacted by sexual and relationship violence. Below are some tips and online tools to empower you to create your own safety plan.

Make a Plan

• Be aware of your environment. When in a building, know where the exits are located and identify a safe space within or nearby.

• Know campus resources. Trauma can impact various aspects of your life so support services are essential to begin healing. If you don't know where to go, Safe Harbor is here to help you get connected to various campus resources.

  • Student Counseling and Psychological Services is able to assist individuals who are experiencing mental health concerns and additional forms of crisis.

  • The Title IX Office can aid individuals with completing formal reports regarding their experienc of sexual violence or discrimination.

• Know community resources. This includes shelters, financial organizations, and local organizations dedicated to providing support to survivors of sexual and domestic violence like Rape Counselors of East Alabama and the Domestic Violence Intervention Center (334-749-1515). Safe Harbor can also help you to connect with resources in the community.

• Computer Safety. When browsing for support resources, utilize private/incognito browser settings. Always be sure to exit out of all tabs and clear cookies from your computer.

• Phone Safety. When saving support services contact information, save them under code names. Delete call or text history, as well as navigation history.

• Adjust your routine. If you typically walk alone at night, utilize the Campus Security Shuttle. Consider changing your parking location. Identify blue light emergency phones around you on campus; these allow you to directly contact the police. You can also utilize the Campus Safety app to let a friend or family member track your location when walking across campus.

• Find a safe living environment. If you have concerns with individuals having access to your living space, request a room change by contacting University Housing. If you do not reside in campus housing, Safe Harbor can assist you with locating rehousing options. If you live with the person who has created harm, have a ready-to-go bag in a safe place. This bag can contain important documents such as birth certificates, social security cards, legal documents, medications, cash, etc.

• Advocate for yourself. Consider establishing a no contact directive with the Title IX Office. This prevents someone from contacting or approaching you.

• Identify a safe friend(s). Instead of going alone to places, go with a safe friend. Establish a safe word that will allow them to know when danger may be near.

Additional Tips

• Avoid walking alone and in isolated places.

• Keep doors and windows locked at all times.

• Seek options to enhance safety (protective orders).

• Avoid putting your location or any identifying information on social media.

• Never answer unknown or blocked numbers.

• Never answer the door for strangers or unannounced guests.

• Keep track of any texts that are threatening or harassing.

It’s also important to know that, with or without safety measures in place, no violence taken against you is your fault. Remember, safety planning is about engaging in behaviors that help you feel empowered and increase your sense of safety. Find more information about personal safety here. Utilize this interactive safety planning tool to create a more detailed safety plan if you are currently in or have recently left an abusive relationship.