What Is a Safety Plan? A Step-by-Step Guide for Survivors in Rutland County

What Is a Safety Plan?

A safety plan is a personalized, practical guide that helps you stay safer during, while preparing to leave, or after leaving an abusive relationship. It includes steps you can take to protect yourself and your children, connect with support, and access resources when you need them most.

At NewStory Center, we help survivors across Rutland County create safety plans every day, plans that meet their unique needs, circumstances, and risks. You do not have to figure this out alone. Our services are free and confidential.

Why Safety Planning Matters

Making a safety plan can help you:

• Identify risks and reduce harm
• Prepare for emergencies
• Access support quickly when you need it
• Think through decisions in moments of calm
• Increase safety whether you stay, leave, or are unsure

Step 1: Know NewStory Center’s Crisis Resources

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

For confidential support 24/7 through NewStory Center’s crisis line in Rutland County, call (802) 775-3232. Advocates can help you talk through your situation, make a plan, and explore options, always without judgment.

Step 2: Prepare for Emergencies

Think through what you may need if you have to leave quickly:

• Keys for car, house, or work
• Important documents such as IDs, birth certificates, immigration papers, or medical cards
• Medications and health supplies
• Cash or a prepaid card
• A change of clothes for you and your children
• Phone charger

Consider keeping a small bag in a safe place, such as at work, with a trusted friend, or somewhere your partner does not know about.

Step 3: Identify Safe Places You Can Go

Whether or not you plan to leave, it helps to know where you can go in an emergency. This may include:

• A trusted friend or family member’s home
• A neighbor’s house
• Your workplace
• A public place such as a library or store
• NewStory Center’s emergency shelter, available to survivors in Rutland County

Step 4: Plan for Safety During a Crisis

If an incident becomes dangerous, you can think ahead about ways to reduce harm:

• Avoid rooms with weapons such as the kitchen or garage
• Move to rooms with outside doors or windows
• Use a code word with children or trusted people to signal when you need help
• Teach children how to call 911 when it is safe to do so

Step 5: Strengthen Your Digital Safety

Some abusers monitor phones or online activity. Consider the following:

• Changing passwords to email, banking, and social media accounts
• Using private browsing when researching support
• Turning off location sharing on your devices
• Checking your phone for tracking apps you did not install

If you need help with digital safety, NewStory Center advocates can walk you through options.

Step 6: Plan for Leaving Safely

Leaving an abusive relationship can be a dangerous time for many survivors. A safety plan can help reduce risks:

• Pick a safe time to leave when your partner is not around
• Arrange transportation with someone you trust or public transportation
• Decide where you will go and how you will contact people once you are safe
• Consider talking with an advocate about legal protections such as Relief From Abuse Orders

Step 7: Stay Safe After Leaving

Even after leaving, you may need ongoing safety strategies:

• Update locks, passwords, or phone numbers
• Share your situation with a trusted neighbor or coworker
• Ask your workplace or your child’s school about safety protocols
• Consider talking with an advocate about follow up services, counseling, or ongoing support

You Are Not Alone. We Can Help.

NewStory Center is here for survivors across Rutland County, whether you need help today or simply want to talk through your options. Safety planning is not one size fits all and your plan can change as your situation changes.

NewStory Center 24/7 Crisis Line: (802) 775-3232

Your safety matters. Your story matters. And we are here to support you every step of the way.