EN | เคนเคฟเค‚
๐ŸŽ’ Safety Planning

Planning Your Safety

A safety plan is not a plan to leave โ€” it is a plan to survive. Whether you are staying for now or preparing to go, this guide helps you prepare.

๐Ÿšจ Critical: Leaving is statistically the most dangerous time in an abusive relationship. The risk of serious harm increases when a victim leaves. Plan carefully, quietly, and ideally with the support of a trained advocate (call 181).
๐ŸŽ’ Emergency Go-Bag โ€” What to Prepare+

Pack a bag and store it somewhere the abuser will not find it โ€” at a trusted relative's house, with a neighbour, or in a locker at work.

Essential Documents (originals or copies)

  • Aadhaar card
  • PAN card
  • Passport (if you have one)
  • Marriage certificate
  • Children's birth certificates and school records
  • Bank account details and passbooks
  • Property documents (in your name or joint)
  • Medical records โ€” especially documenting injuries
  • Any legal documents related to ongoing cases

Practical Items

  • Cash โ€” enough for at least a few days (the abuser may cancel cards)
  • Phone + charger
  • A basic change of clothes for you and each child
  • Essential medicines (at least a week's supply)
  • A written list of important phone numbers (in case your phone is taken)
โœ… Digital backup: Photograph all key documents and upload them to a private Google Drive folder your partner does not know about. Use an email address your partner is not aware of to create this account.
๐Ÿšช Planning a Safe Exit+

Choose the right moment

  • Leave when the abuser is out of the house โ€” at work, running an errand, or sleeping.
  • Have a destination confirmed beforehand โ€” a relative's home, a shelter (call 181 in advance), or a trusted friend.
  • Do not announce that you are leaving. Do not threaten to leave. An abuser who knows you are leaving becomes significantly more dangerous.

Before you go

  • Tell one trusted person exactly when you plan to leave and where you are going.
  • Memorise the address of your destination and key phone numbers in case your phone is taken.
  • If you have children, involve them in the plan only at the last safe moment โ€” to prevent accidental disclosure.

If you cannot leave safely

  • Call 181 โ€” they can help you create a safety plan, connect you to a shelter, and in some cases arrange police escort.
  • Contact a One Stop Centre (Sakhi) at your nearest district hospital โ€” they have 24/7 support and can help you leave safely.
โš ๏ธ Do not: Tell friends or family who might inadvertently inform the abuser. Trust is critical โ€” only tell someone who will keep it confidential and who is not in contact with the abuser's family.
๐Ÿ“ฑ Digital Security Before Leaving+

Abusers often use technology to track victims after they leave. Take these steps as close to your departure as possible.

On your phone

  • Change passwords to all important accounts (email, WhatsApp, bank apps) using a secure, private device if possible โ€” not the home Wi-Fi.
  • Remove the abuser from your Google Family Sharing, Apple Family Sharing, or any location-sharing app.
  • Turn off location sharing on WhatsApp for the abuser.
  • Check for unknown apps โ€” especially apps called "System Update," "Phone Monitor," or parental control apps that may be spyware.
  • Buy a new SIM card if you can โ€” the old number can be easily monitored if the abuser has access to your carrier account.

Online accounts

  • Create a new email address the abuser doesn't know about โ€” use it to communicate with shelters, lawyers, and trusted contacts.
  • Log out of all shared computers, tablets, and smart TVs.
  • Remove your abuser from any shared bank or financial accounts immediately after leaving.
  • Note: Under PWDVA 2005 and criminal laws, survivors of all genders can request protective orders regarding financial assets.
โœ… Timing: Make these digital changes as close to your departure as possible โ€” ideally on the same day. Earlier changes may alert the abuser.
๐Ÿ’ฐ Financial Safety Steps+
  • Open a separate bank account in your name only โ€” you can do this without your partner's knowledge. Bring your Aadhaar and PAN card. Any nationalised bank (SBI, PNB, etc.) must open an account for you.
  • Start saving small amounts of cash secretly โ€” this is your emergency fund.
  • If you have income, request your salary be transferred to a new account.
  • Collect information about joint bank accounts โ€” note the account numbers, balances, and bank branches.
  • Photograph or list your assets/Stridhan before leaving โ€” with estimated values.
โœ… Government scheme: PM Jan Dhan Yojana allows any woman to open a zero-balance bank account with just an Aadhaar card. This can be your first independent financial step.
๐Ÿค Building a Safety Network+
  • Identify 2โ€“3 people you absolutely trust โ€” and ensure they know your situation.
  • Create a code word with a trusted neighbour or friend โ€” if you use it, they know to call police.
  • Know your nearest police station address and phone number.
  • Call 181 in advance to understand what shelter options are available in your area.
  • If you are a student or employee, know that your institution's counsellor or HR department can refer you to support and may have legal obligations to assist.