Creating a Safety Plan: Protecting Yourself and Your Children

When you are in an unsafe relationship or facing the possibility of domestic violence, one of the most powerful steps you can take is to create a safety plan. A safety plan is more than just a checklist — it is a practical, personalized strategy that helps you prepare for various scenarios, reduce risks, and enhance the safety of you and your children.

In South Carolina, legal protections such as Orders of Protection are available; however, planning can make the difference between being caught off guard and having the necessary tools when it matters most.

This blog will walk through essential parts of a safety plan: preparing your home and belongings, understanding legal protections and emergency contacts, and making sure your children know how to stay safe

Preparing a Home Safety Plan

Safety often begins at home. One of the first steps is gathering important documents such as identification cards, birth certificates, financial records, Social Security cards, and court orders. Keeping them together in a secure but accessible place ensures you can take them quickly if you need to leave.

It can also help to pack an emergency “go bag.” This bag should include cash, spare keys, medications, a change of clothing for yourself and your children, and any items that might be difficult to replace on short notice. Store it in a safe place where you can grab it quickly or keep it with someone you trust.

Knowing where you would go in an emergency is equally important. Whether it’s a friend’s home, a shelter, or another safe location, having that plan in place can reduce panic and increase your options if you need to leave suddenly.

Legal Protections and Emergency Contacts

South Carolina law offers critical tools to help protect survivors of abuse. An Order of Protection can legally prevent an abuser from contacting or approaching you, helping to establish boundaries that the court enforces. Applying for one may feel overwhelming, but with the guidance of an attorney, it can become a vital part of your safety strategy. Alongside legal tools, keep a list of emergency contacts. This list should include close family or friends you trust, your attorney’s information, local shelters, and hotlines such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233).

Make multiple copies — keep one in your wallet, give one to a trusted person, and store one digitally if safe to do so.

The key is making sure you are never without options, even if you leave quickly and without your belongings.

Safety for Children

Children are deeply affected by unsafe environments, and part of your safety plan should include preparing them in age-appropriate ways. Teach your children how to call 911, memorize important phone numbers, and identify safe neighbors or relatives they can run to if they feel scared. If possible, practice exit routes from your home. This doesn’t mean frightening them with worst-case scenarios — it means calmly and confidently showing them how to stay safe and reminding them that none of this is their fault. Let them know that their job in a dangerous situation is to stay safe, not to intervene.

By preparing your children in advance, you empower them with knowledge and reduce their risks if a crisis occurs.

Safety planning is not about living in fear — it is about taking back control. By preparing your home and belongings, understanding your legal options, and making sure your children know what to do, you create a roadmap that can make all the difference in a dangerous situation.

If you or someone you care about is in danger, remember you are not alone. There are legal tools, supportive professionals, and resources ready to help. At Lighthouse Family Law, we are committed to walking with you through every step, ensuring that you and your children are protected, informed, and empowered.