Safety planning is unique to every individual and their situation and background. There are important safety considerations for every aspect of your identity.
Accessibility
Abusers will often use physical and mental disabilities as a way to control others. This could include hiding or destroying necessary accessibility devices or causing physical harm that worsens symptoms. If you have a physical or mental disability, you may want to consider the following when creating your safety plan:
- Depending on the device and its affordability, you may keep an extra accessibility device hidden in your home or at a neighbors in case your primary devices are destroyed.
- You may want to keep an emergency ration of your medications in a safe place as well as any documentation or prescriptions in case you need to refill them in an emergency.
- Inform your doctor about your safety concerns to see if they are able to approve additional refills or replacements outside of the typical timelines/policies in emergency situations.
- If you are connected with other advocates or healthcare providers, keep their contact information in a safe place.
Organizations specializing in this work include, but not limited to:
Elderly Abuse/Abuse in Later Life
Organizations specializing in this work include, but not limited to:
- Minnesota Elder Justice Center
- National Clearing House on Abuse and Later Life
- See also: Personalized Safety Plan for Older Survivors of Abuse
Immigration
Abusers may use your immigration status and documents as a way to control you. Here are some considerations for your safety plan if you are an immigrant:
- If you have access to your own immigration documents, keep them in a safe place, possibly with a friend or neighbor.
- Keep copies of each document in case the original is destroyed.
- If you are still going through the documentation process, try to be as involved as possible in the process. Communicate directly with lawyers and other involved professionals whenever possible to ensure you are getting accurate information.
- There are protections for immigrants under the Violence Against Women Act and there are visa options for those brought here by an abuser. Research your options or connect with an immigration lawyer in your area to learn more.
- If you are not a native english speaker, agencies will provide translation services for you as you seek help.
Organizations specializing in this work include, but not limited to:
LGBTQIA+
There are higher rates of violence experienced by individuals who identify with the LGBTQIA+ communities. If you belong to the LGBTQIA+ community, consider the following tips:
- There are agencies and shelters that are specifically for those who identify as LGBTQIA+. You may want to reach out to these agencies first to see if they have space and availability. A Day One advocate can help locate one near you.
- If you are trans and taking medications or using prosthetics or other devices such as binders, keep a spare set on hand and in a safe location in case you need to leave quickly.
- Carry letters if your identification documents have not been fully updated to make your gender and chosen names. Alternatively, carry the court order documenting your name/gender change.
Here is a more detailed guide on safety planning for trans and gender non-conforming folks, developed and published by Forge.
Organizations specializing in this work include, but not limited to:
Racial/Ethnic Cultural Identities
Violence and abuse as well as the response to them can look different in each culture. Your cultural norms and safety considerations are important to include in your safety plan. If there are certain people or systems that are not safe to work with/in, note that in your safety plan. If you’re working with an advocate, it’s okay to ask them to adjust your safety plan if it doesn’t align with your cultural beliefs or experiences.
There are many culturally specific organizations throughout the state that may be able to provide support that better meets your needs based on your cultural identity. A Day One advocate can help you look for a culturally specific agency near you. If you go to a shelter that is not culturally specific, they may be able to accommodate dietary needs or preferences. Ask about your food options when you arrive to see if you can get food that fits within your cultural or spiritual needs.
Please see the below list on culturally specific Day One Partners. Please note this list is ever-changing and growing.
Native/Native American/Indigenous Communities:
- American Indian Community Housing Organization/Dabinoo’Igan
- American Indian Family Center (AIFC)
- DOVE (Down on Violence Everyday)
- Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
- Mending The Sacred Hoop
- Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
- Minneapolis American Indian Center – Indigenous Women’s Life Net Program
- Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center
- Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians/Equay Wiigamig Women’s Shelter
- StrongHearts Native Helpline
- Women of Nation’s (Eagle’s Nest)
East African Communities:
Latin@/Hispanic Communities
Asian/Asian American Communities
- Asian Women United- House of Peace
- Hmong American Partnership
- SEWA-AIFW (Asian Indian Family Wellness)
- Transforming Generations
Unaccompanied Youth
Unaccompanied youth are at a higher risk for being victims of exploitation and trafficking, as they often can be controlled by older abusers with power through their access to money, food, shelter, and transportation.
For sexually-exploited youth, it is important to understand that with the Minnesota Safe Harbor Law, young people can safely ask for help and shelter. Youth who engage in sex work or survival sex are seen as victims and survivors (not criminals) and are entitled to shelter and services. In the past, if you were under the age of 24 and engaging in sex work, Minnesota law treated you as a criminal. The Safe Harbor Law changed that. Now, youth who engage in sex work or survival sex are seen as victims and survivors (not criminals) and are entitled to shelter and services.
For youth that have either left or been kicked out of their homes and are experiencing violence or exploitation, there are specific agencies and resources available:
- Youth Services Network – Youth Beds Available
- Bridge for Youth
- Safe Harbor Housing
- Safe Harbor Regional Navigators
Spiritual Safety
If your religion or spirituality are an important part of your identity, you may want to adjust your safety plan to ensure it includes aspects of spiritual safety. Some considerations might be:
- Keep religious or spiritual books and documents with your go-bag.
- Include any spiritual garments in the clothing you pack for yourself and/or your children. For example, if your abuser tries to prevent you from wearing a hijab so you can’t leave the home, keep one at a trusted friend or family member’s house.
- If it is safe to do so, tell someone in your spiritual community about your safety concerns and build them into your safety plan.
- Many religious and spiritual organizations have resources and donations to support their community and may be able to provide some to you in a time of need.
Organizations specializing in this work include, but not limited to:
Day One is not an expert on every cultural identity. But our vast array of resources and referral partners includes culturally specific experts that we can connect you with.
Contact Day One
Call the Minnesota Day One Crisis Line 1-866-223-1111 to speak with an advocate (interpreters are available), text 612-399-9995, or click the CHAT NOW button on this site to connect with a Day One advocate. A Day One advocate is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
