Which action would be included in the safety plan for a woman in crisis, who is emotionally and physically abused by her husband?

Which action would be included in the safety plan for a woman in crisis, who is emotionally and physically abused by her husband?

• A. Determining a safe place to go in an emergency
• B. Memorizing the domestic violence hotline number
• C. Engaging in couple’s counseling to resolve issues
• D. Staying in the home to protect the family

Answer: (A)

In safety planning for someone in crisis from ongoing abuse, having a concrete escape option is essential. Determining a safe place to go in an emergency gives a clear, actionable destination when violence escalates, making it possible to act quickly and reduce immediate risk. This step helps ensure immediate safety by pre-identifying where a person can seek shelter, whether that’s a trusted friend or family member, a domestic violence shelter, or another safe location. Memorizing a hotline number is valuable and should be part of broader safety resources, but it doesn’t by itself provide the immediate, tangible plan needed in a crisis. Engaging in couple’s counseling isn’t appropriate while abuse is occurring, as it can put the person at greater risk. Staying in the home to protect the family may seem protective, but it often increases danger when violence is present.

In safety planning for someone in crisis from ongoing abuse, having a concrete escape option is essential. Determining a safe place to go in an emergency gives a clear, actionable destination when violence escalates, making it possible to act quickly and reduce immediate risk. This step helps ensure immediate safety by pre-identifying where a person can seek shelter, whether that’s a trusted friend or family member, a domestic violence shelter, or another safe location.

Memorizing a hotline number is valuable and should be part of broader safety resources, but it doesn’t by itself provide the immediate, tangible plan needed in a crisis. Engaging in couple’s counseling isn’t appropriate while abuse is occurring, as it can put the person at greater risk. Staying in the home to protect the family may seem protective, but it often increases danger when violence is present.