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Living in fear is no way to live.
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Safety Planning

We understand many victims are hesitant to call SWiC because they do not want to leave their partner.

SWiC respects each victim’s right to make their own decisions and is prepared to offer information, referral, and safety planning that may be beneficial even for those opting to stay.

Information is power.

Safety planning can help a victim of domestic violence be safe whether they live with their abuser or not, and whether they choose to end the relationship or not. Basically, safety planning means taking steps to be safe that are specific to you and your life circumstances.

Safety planning may save you or your loved one’s life.


ARE YOU CONSIDERING ENDING AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP?

If so, ask yourself these questions:

  1. Are you ready to end the relationship?
    Keep in mind that ending any relationship is never easy, especially an abusive one. Writing a list of positive and negative things in your relationship may help you make this decision. If you are ready, keep that list for yourself and re-read it if you are having doubts after the breakup.

  2. Do you feel safe ending the relationship?
    If you don’t feel safe…
    Call Schuylkill Women in Crisis’s free and confidential 24-hour hotline at 570.622.6220 or 800.282.0634 for help in figuring out a safety plan. Don’t break up in person. Doing so may seem cruel, but you may not be safe with the abuser when he realizes he has lost control over you.

    Even if you feel safe…
    Break up in a public place. Have a family member or friend waiting nearby. Take your cell phone with you. Tell your parents and friends you are ending the relationship in case your ex decides to come to your home.

  3. What should I do after the breakup?
    After a victim ends an abusive relationship, the risk of violence is even greater. Talk to a SWiC counselor for safety planning and help in healing. Talk to friends and family for support. Avoid isolated areas. Don’t walk alone or go places alone. Save any threatening or harassing emails or text messages. Stay off social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter.

If you feel in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

Select the button describing your situation for specific safety planning information...


Planning to leave?
Decided to stay?
Already left?
Safety Planning for Children
Technology Safety

SWiC staff can help you make a safety plan!

Call SWiC’s 24-hour hotline at 570.622.6220 or 800.282.0634.