Safety plans for women with disabilities need careful attention

The plan should be specific to each client. They may face unique challenges because of their disability.

Write the safety plan in a way your client can understand. Use plain English, Easy-read or any other format that suits your client.

Your client is the expert on her life. Use words like "choice" and "option" to remind her that she is in control. Ask what strategies have worked for her in the past.

Safety planning is different for everyone. It's important to be flexible and creative when making plans that fit each person's needs and situation.

We have written guides to help women with disabilities make their own safety plans. You could share these with your client. There are guides that cover:

• How to be safe when you leave an abusive relationship (plain English) (internal link)
• How to be safe when you leave a relationship (Easy Read) (internal link)
• When you are not ready to leave a relationship (plain English) (internal link)
• When you are not ready to leave a relationship (Easy Read) (internal link)

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Offer extra support

The plan should include any extra support your client needs. It could be support with:

• Communication
• Transport and getting around
• Managing physical limits
• Managing emotions.

Key Points of a Safety Plan 

Emergency contacts

List the emergency contact numbers your client needs.

‍It could be:

• Sexual assault support services
• Domestic violence support services
• Emergency services like the police.

Choose services that your client can contact on their own. For example, if it is hard for you client to talk or hear, use text-back services. 

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Safe places and transport ‍

• List safe places your client can go if they are in danger.
• Plan how to get there.
• Think about transport your client can easily use. For example, they may need options that are wheelchair friendly.
• If your client has children, think about transport options that are safe and easy for them, too.

Support network

List trusted people who can help in an emergency.

Write down how to contact them. It could be:

• The police
• Family members
• Friends
• Domestic violence support services. 

Money

• Think about how your client can get money in an emergency.
• Plan to save money for emergencies. For example, your client could set aside money for taxi fares if needed.

Care and support

• Some clients may depend on the person who hurts them for care and support.
• Help your client think about how to meet their care needs outside that relationship.

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Valuables and documents

• Choose a secure, private place to store valuables and important documents.
• Make sure your client can easily get the valuables and documents when they need them.

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Address barriers

Ask your client what makes it hard for them to get help. Think about barriers to do with mobility, communication and accessing spaces or information.

• Who can help with these barriers?
• How can they help?

Support disclosure

Disclosure means that your client talks about the violence or abuse they have faced. It is your client's choice whether they do this or not. You should not pressure them to talk about their experiences.

• Support your client to talk about what happened if they want.
• Help them find the support they need. For example, you could help them find a counsellor to talk to.