Safety Planning Specific to a Time of Quarantine

• Safety plans are especially important during this stressful time; review your safety plan and talk to an advocate about it, if needed. If you have not made a safety plan, you can reach out the Family Justice Center at 574-234-6900 to talk to an advocate.

• If it is safe for you to have a physical copy of your safety plan, make sure it is easily accessible. However, at this time, offenders may be in the home with you more frequently. If so, consider keeping a copy on your phone or safest place for you. 

• Consider using keywords to remember the most essential parts of your plan.

• Talk to a friend or family member about establishing a code word that you can use if you need to call them (one that would let them know you need them to call the police or come over.)

• If you are unable to call 911, you can send a text message. Try to include the 5 W’s;

  • WHERE are you located? (address)

  • WHAT happened?

  • WHO did what?

  • WHEN did it occur?

  • WEAPONS -are there any?

• Leaving a dangerous situation to stay in a shelter may be an option. If shelters in the area are full or not accepting new residents, consider alternatives such as staying with family, friends, or at a hotel if possible.

• If an argument does ensue, identify the safest room in the home and try to move towards that room, if possible. Try to stay as far as you can from areas where there may be weapons or sharp/hard surfaces or items, and identify exits closest to you.

• Make sure you are prepared with essential home supplies, food, and medication. If there are financial barriers, check with local community organizations. If possible, keep your medication in an easily accessible place in case you needed to leave quickly in an emergency.

• During quarantine and social distancing, one might feel especially isolated, and offenders may use this to further exert power and control. Identify trusted friends, relatives, or an online support group you can connect with virtually and safely.

• If you are at home for an extended amount of time with an abusive partner, try to identify and create a “peaceful space,” if possible. This space can be a simple as a cozy chair in a corner where you can sit and take a few deep breaths. You could include things that center or calm you, like books, coloring pages, or a journal.

• Especially if you do find yourself seeking safety elsewhere, be extra mindful of your hygiene. Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face, and minimize contact with surfaces that other people commonly have contact with.

Safe Shelter

• The YWCA is St. Joseph County’s shelter for individuals fleeing domestic violence. They remain open 24/7 at this time. Call them at 1-800-YES-YWCA to find out if they have room available and/or if they are accepting new residents.

• Center for the Homeless is not conducting new intakes at this time.

Online and Phone Supports and Services

Local resources

• The Family Justice Center remains open, and dedicated to providing services including safety planning, advocacy, legal services, and referrals to other community-based services. The best way to contact us is to call 574-234-6900 (Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm)

• S-O-S of The Family Justice Center will continue to provide free, confidential crisis intervention 24/7 via phone support. You can reach an advocate by calling 574-289-HELP (4357)

• Beacon Suicide Text Line can be reached by texting 741741

National resources

• RAINN is the national sexual assault hotline and can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or online chat. They have options for Spanish speakers and individuals that are deaf or hard of hearing. 

• National Domestic Violence Hotline  can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-799- SAFE (7233) or online chat. They have options for Spanish speakers and individuals that are deaf or hard of hearing.  

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 or online