Safety Plans for Children
Children and their mothers usually spend a limited amount of time living in the shelter. Often when they are returning home there it is possible that the violence will continue. A safety plan can help children deal with future incidents of violence and protect themselves.
Shelter workers can work with children to develop their safety plan. Is this a helpful tool that is used/could be used in Inuit communities? How should it be adapted for children in these communities?
Sample: Safety Planning With Children
- If mom and dad (or her partner) are fighting and I feel scared who can I call (or go to) for help? [line]
- If I have to leave my home I will go to: [line]
- If I cannot go to the location above then I can go to: [line]
- If I cannot get out safely through the front door, then I can use: [line]
- I will use [line] as my code word with my family and friends so they can call for help.
- If it is late at night and I am not allowed/unable to get out of the house I can use [line] as my hiding place.
- I can tell [line for name of person] or [line for name of person] about the violence and ask them to call the police if they hear suspicious noises coming from my home.
- If I am in need of someone to talk to about the situation in my home I can talk to [line for the person’s name] or [line for the person’s name].