Build a personal safety plan
A private, adaptable plan for danger at home or in a relationship. Use only the steps that fit your circumstances; leaving immediately is not always the safest or possible choice.
In this guide
Start with the danger you know best
Name escalation signs
Notice patterns that often come before greater danger: threats to kill, strangulation, weapons, stalking, forced sex, escalating control, separation, pregnancy, harm to children or animals, or threats of suicide used to control you. You do not need a complete risk score to take fear seriously.
Choose a first move for immediate danger
Identify a room with an exit and away from weapons where possible, a neighbour or public place you can reach, and a way to call 112. If leaving would increase danger, focus first on getting nearer an exit, other people or a phone.
Create a signal with a trusted person
Agree on an ordinary word, missed call or message that means ‘call me’, ‘come’, or ‘contact emergency help’. Decide in advance what the supporter should do so they do not confront the abusive person and make danger worse.
Prepare quietly, if preparation is safe
Copy essentials
Keep copies or secure photographs of identity papers, children’s records, prescriptions, bank details, property or tenancy papers, key contacts and relevant legal documents. Store them somewhere the abusive person cannot access, only if doing so will not expose you.
Build access to money and transport
If possible, set aside small funds, know transport times, keep keys accessible and identify one place open at the hours you may need it. Do not make a visible financial change if account monitoring could trigger harm.
Pack for health and access needs
Consider medicines, mobility or communication aids, chargers, clothing, menstrual products and children’s essentials. A bag can stay with a trusted person; an obvious hidden bag at home may not be safe.
Plan for children without assigning them rescue work
Teach children where to go and how to call a safe adult or emergency service when age-appropriate. Their job is to get safe, not to intervene, protect siblings at personal risk or collect evidence.
Choose support and legal information
Ask for options, not commands
Women Helpline 181, a One Stop Centre, NALSA legal aid or a trusted local service can explain shelter, protection, medical, counselling and legal pathways. Ask what information will be recorded and whether any step is mandatory before sharing details.
Plan digital safety separately
Assume a shared phone, cloud account, vehicle, payment app or family plan may reveal searches and location. Use a safer device and account when possible; do not suddenly delete history or disable tracking if that change may be noticed.
Revise after any change
Separation, a police contact, a court date, pregnancy, a new job or the abusive person learning of the plan can change risk. Update safe places, routes, codes, school pick-up instructions and who holds documents.
Words you can use
Asking a supporter for one defined role
You want help without sharing every detail
“If I send the word ‘tea’, please call me. If I do not answer, contact 112 and give them this address. Please do not call or confront him.”
Asking a service about privacy
Before giving identifying information
“I need safety options. First, please tell me what you record, who can see it, and whether you must notify anyone based on what I say.”
Related issue guides
Sources and publication record
Reviewed and approved by the project team · Sources checked .
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005India Code, Legislative Department
- Emergency Response Support System 112Ministry of Home Affairs
- Women Helpline 181Ministry of Women and Child Development
- One Stop Centre schemeMinistry of Women and Child Development
- Free legal services and National Legal Aid Helpline 15100National Legal Services Authority