Safety Planning Tips

The following information are suggestions of ways to plan for safety if dealing with any type of unwanted contact.   Do what works for you, as you know the situation better than anyone.

  • Keep friends, family, supportive people informed of your whereabouts.
  • Let your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and other supports know about the situation.  For example:
    • Give them photos of the person who is doing the unwanted contact, as well as identifying information about their car, license plate, etc.
    • If you work share info at work about the person and be notify if they see evidence that the person has come near your home or work.
  • Keep a detailed log of all contacts or suspected contacts, including saving any emails, written notes, telephone calls, texts, social media posts or other messages.
    • Save and document everything. 
  • Vary your routine periodically, as well as the routes you take. 
    • use your support systems when possible for when you are out and about.
  • Change phone numbers, passwords and PINs. Document all changes made as a result of the unwanted contact.
  • Take extra safety measures to protect your personal information including online accounts and social media.
  • Apply for a civil protection order.
    • Contact OVA for more information on that.
  • Be alert of any unusual packages, boxes or devices found on your premises.
  • Any threats, direct or indirect, should be taken seriously.
  • Call police if do not feel safe/have been threatened.
  • Program 911 into your phone.
  • Trust your instincts.
  • Do not keep it a secret!
  • Plan for safety with an OVA Advocate Counselor.

 

If you have not told the person who is doing the unwanted contact to stop, here are some samples of a no-contact statement*:

  • I am not interested in having a relationship with you. 
  • Do not continue to call, message, stop by, or have any contact with me whatsoever.
  • I want you to stop contacting me.  If you continue to contact me, follow me, be on my property, or call or message me in any way, I will call the authorities.
  • I am ending our relationship.  Do not make any attempt to try and renew it.  I will not change my mind.  I do not wish to have any contact with you now or in the future.  If you try to contact me, I will contact the athorities.
  • I will no longer tolerate this unwanted contact and/or unwanted behavior.  If you try to contact me again in any shape or form, I will call the police.

*Once this is communicated either by email or messaging, it is recommended to not have any more contact with the person who is doing the unwanted contact.  If they continue to contact you, do not respond but do keep a log of the contact and get either/and OVA and law enforcement involved.  If you are worried about the person harming themself or others, have police do a wellfare check on them instead of you checking on them. Again you know the situation best and if a no-contact statement does not feel safe to do, please consult with OVA for support and options.