Safety Planning
Safe people
Who are some trusted individuals in your life?
How do you know that you can trust them?
What are ways they have supported you in the past?
Consider: how will you access their contact information?
When are they usually available? Do they know what is going on? If you contact them, how will they know how to help you?
Safe places
Where are places that you feel physically and emotionally safe?
In your home • Outside of your home
Is it a public space where others may be able to help/intervene if needed?
How can you get to these safe places?
Are there any limitations to when you are able to be there/access this space?
Are there any connections to your safe place and your safe people?
Consider: if you need to leave a dangerous situation, where can you go? Will the person who harmed you be able to access this place? Will safe people in your life be able to access this place? Will you have access to resources while you are there?
Safe things
What are some strategies to keep yourself grounded and focused?
What coping skills have you utilized in the past?
Is there an object or a scent that gives you comfort when you are feeling dysregulated?
Are you able to move your body in a way that feels comfortable?
Can you try taking some deep breaths and really focusing on your breath?
Pay attention to your self-talk and see if you are able to be gentle and kind to yourself.
Put on some music or a show that gives you comfort.
Does it feel reassuring to write down how you are feeling and what happened? Does this help you process it in any way?
Consider: if you are fleeing a dangerous situation, think about what items you may need that would be helpful (i.e. paperwork, medication, keys, phone charger, pets, child's favorite blanket)?
Domestic violence includes any and all behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control the other. Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of their appearance, race, class, age, sex, religion, cultural background, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Domestic violence includes:
- Elder abuse
- Teen dating violence
- Stalking behaviors
- Human trafficking
- Child abuse
Sexual assault is any act that breaks a person's trust, or violates their sense of safety, and is sexual in nature.
This includes forced, coerced, or manipulated sexual activity, sexual contact with someone who is unable to consent, as well as human trafficking.
Sexual assault is not uncommon. Even though there are many people with this shared experience, lack of visibility and understanding can lead to feelings of isolation.
Sexual assault can happen to anyone, and impacts people of all genders, ages, races, sexual orientations, and cultural backgrounds.
Violence Prevention Education
Protective Behaviors abuse prevention classes
Healthy relationships classes in middle and high schools
River Source Family Center
Please contact us with requests for presentations and education about interpersonal violence.