Cold snaps and other adverse weather conditions can lead to a spike in domestic violence, possibly because people are likely to spend more time cooped up indoors together during bad weather. If you or someone you love is a victim of domestic violence, it’s important to have a safety plan.

According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, a safety plan is a personalized, practical plan to improve a person’s safety while experiencing abuse, while preparing to leave an abusive situation or after they leave.

A safety plan includes vital information tailored to each unique situation. The plan helps domestic violence victims prepare for and respond to different scenarios, including telling friends and family, coping with emotions and accessing various resources.

Safety Planning

Aultman Serenity Program Nurse Adenike Gbadebo, DNP, APRN, SANE-A, recommends considering the following when developing a safety plan:

General Safety Plan

• Identify multiple ways to get out of the home safely and practice your escape route.

• Have a bag packed with medications, important documents, money, extra car/house keys, etc. and keep it hidden. If your abuser searches your things, change the hiding place frequently or leave the bag with a trusted friend.

• Determine a safe place to go if you choose to leave.

• Create a signal with a friend or neighbor that lets them know when you need help (texting a specific phrase, pulling down a specific window shade, turning the porch light on during the day, etc.).

• Create a code word or phrase to use with family or friends to indicate you need police help.

• Create a safety plan with your children for when violence occurs in the home. This can include identifying a safe place in the house to hide away from the violence, reminding children NOT to try to stop the violence, asking them to call 911 for help and having them memorize your home address to give to the 911 operator.

Safety During Violence

• Try to get to a room that has an exit, avoiding rooms with no outside doors or that have potential weapons such as knives.

• Try to stay near a phone to call for help.

• Inform police if there are weapons in the home.

• Always use your instinct/judgment to assess the situation and know what to do next.

Safety When Leaving

• Open a bank account in your own name at a different bank and consider having some of your paychecks directly deposited in this account.

• Leave money, clothing, documents, keys and other important items with a person you trust.

• Consider where you would go in advance.

• Have the abuser's information (Social Security number, license plate, etc.) to give to the police.

• Keep evidence of the abuse and take it with you when you leave.

• Ask your doctor for extra medication or make sure your prescriptions are current.

Technology

• Change passwords frequently.

• Update privacy settings on all devices.

• Think about closing your accounts.

• Think about getting a new phone and/or phone number.

• Educate yourself on social platform safety.

• Have an alternate cell phone.

For more comprehensive information on safety planning, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Resources

Many resources are available for anyone who needs help related to domestic violence. Several national, state and local resources are listed below. Additional resources can be found on the Aultman Health System website.

National

24/7 crisis line:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233) or live chat at
thehotline.org

State

Ohio Domestic Violence Network: 800-934-9840 or 614-781-9651

Local

Alliance Area Domestic Violence Shelter
Services: 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter
Crisis Line: 330-823-7223
Alliance Area Domestic Violence Shelter

Compass Rape Crisis, Canton and New Philadelphia
Services: 24-hour hotline, hospital/court advocacy, school education, community training, support groups, referrals, assistance with obtaining civil protection orders, counseling and community outreach
Crisis Line, Tuscarawas and Carroll counties: 330-339-1427
Crisis Line, Stark County: 330-452-1111
COMPASS: Sexual Assault Education, Prevention & Support

Domestic Violence Project Incorporated (DVPI), Canton
Services: 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, outreach and aftercare, legal advocacy, transitional housing program and medical advocacy
Crisis Line: 330-453-SAFE (7233)
Domestic Violence Project, Inc. (dvpi.org)

One-Eighty, Wooster and Millersburg
Services: 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, victim advocacy, Counseling Service, danger assessment program, additional support services, rape crisis center, addiction/substance use, residential treatment, mental health counseling, community relations/prevention, peer support and housing support
Crisis Line, Wayne and Holmes counties: 800-686-1122
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault - OneEighty