Building A Safety Plan

 “Hello there! I’m here to provide you with a bit of information on building a safety plan for survivors who are experiencing any violation or violence. I would like to remind you that suggestions on this post should not be taken as medical advice, legal advice, mental health advice, or as a one-size-fits-all approach. What the survivor is  undergoing after having confronted a traumatic experience is normal. What you are going through while supporting a survivor is absolutely okay and typical too. If you need additional resources or just someone to talk to, feel free to reach out to The Neeti Project."  

(Image source: Zoom Tv)

NOTE: The following data has been reproduced from Saahas, an app for individuals facing gender based violence to find assistance easily, created by Kirthi Jayakumar.

Kirthi has been a huge pillar of support and a personification of kindness and generosity since the get-go of this initiative. Members of The Neeti Project hold deep gratitude towards her constant assistance and contributions to make this space and the world at large, a better place.

We recognize that it should never be up to anyone to have to go out of their way to ensure that their own and the external spaces they access are safe for them. However, we also acknowledge that engaging with public life feels safer for several people if they know that they have a means to stay safe when they engage with or use that space.

Bearing this in mind, this page has simple instructional safety plans that one may deploy if doing so feels like a way to stay safe while navigating a public place.

1. Keeping safe everyday: use these simple guidelines to frame a safety plan to navigate your every day

• Carry your cell phone and important telephone numbers with you at all times.
• Stay connected with a trusted circle and share your whereabouts with them.
• Document incidents and evidence to report or disclose them as you deem fit.
• Learn self-defense moves / steps if you feel comfortable using them when/if you need to
• .Carry a noisemaker or rely on your voice to scream for help/attention.
• Report incidents to the police if you feel comfortable pressing charges. 

2. A safe social life use these simple guidelines to frame a safety plan to navigate your engagements in public places

• If you feel uncomfortable / unsafe about being among a particular group, don't hesitate to leave.
• Identify safe contacts and emergency support for when you most need to rely on them.
• If you feel like you're being followed, change routes to shake off your tail.
• Ask your trusted circle to keep their phones with them in case you need to get in touch.
• Share your live location with a trusted circle if you feel it can help keep you safe.
• Identify safe ways to get out of a place before you get there, well in advance.

3. Staying safe online use these simple guidelines to frame a safety plan to navigate engaging online

• Use secure passwords and two-factor authentication to keep access safe and secure
• Acquaint yourself with the reporting mechanisms available on the platforms you use.
• build a group of trustworthy friends online who can support you in dealing with incidents.
• Make use of blocking and reporting facilities to take action against abusive users
• Before sharing your data on any platform, take a look at privacy and data use policies.
• Save and keep track of abusive or inappropriate messages to report or take legal action.