What is a Safety Plan & Why It is So Important?

BY Dr. Regina Marie Baldwin

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Leaving a domestic violent situation is very difficult. Emotional, financial, verbal and spiritual abuse can quickly escalate to sexual and physical abuse when an abuser is threatened with the loss of his relationship and/or children.  It can take women years to finally leave.  The shame, the disbelief, the guilt, the blame,  the betrayal, the countless false hope, and seemingly unanswered prayers make this decision one of the most difficult decisions a victim can make.  Often an average of hundreds, if not thousands, of assaults verbally & physically she might escape to safety if she isn't murdered.  An average of 80% of women are murdered when they finally have the courage to leave their abuser regardless of whether there has been a history of physical violence.  Don't be confused.  Domestic abusers don't have an anger problem or low self-esteem.  They have a distorted belief system which includes a sense of love & entitlement to control the very person they claim to love. 

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If you or someone you know is in a domestic violent relationship (which includes financial abuse/control, emotional, verbal, spiritual abuse (justifying abuse with Bible verses), please download a safety plan or contact us to help create a safety plan for free.  A safety plan is needed before the victim has made any decision to leave.  A safety plan is just that.  A plan to keep the victim and any children safe upon an abusive outburst or in a violent crisis when she may have to flee.  It lists the types of vital documents, keys, items that should be left with a trusted friend and/or any other life-saving information that may not be accessible should she leave her home. 

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A SAFETY PLAN IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO TO HELP YOURSELF OR A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.  iF YOU ARE IN A LEADERSHIP POSITION OR CLERGY, PLEASE DOWNLOAD AND KEEP SEVERAL COPIES IN YOUR OFFICE & HOME IN CASE OF A FAMILY EMERGENCY. 

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Remember...the majority of domestic violence is never reported and it's even more under reported among spiritual or religious households. It is imperative that you don't dismiss any allegations especially if you personally know the abuser and have never seen abusive behavior in that individual.  Remember...not willing to take a side is actually taking a side.  

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Please contact Dr. Baldwin at any time for further information.  In case of emergency, get to a safe place if possible and call 911 immediately. 

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Dr. Regina M. Baldwin can be reached today for help with a safety plan at 1-800-211-5079.  Free consultations and video counseling available nationally.  Don't wait.  Your life or the life of someone you love may depend on it.  Violence is EVERYONE'S business. 

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