Victim of Crime or Domestic Violence
Safety comes first. Everything else follows.
Violence, threats, or coercive control can disrupt safety, stability, and trust all at once. It changes how you move through the day, who feels safe, and what decisions feel possible. Managing any of this takes more strength than most people realize. Getting guidance does not mean giving up control.
9 guides · 34 steps
What the plan covers
9 guides. 34 concrete steps.
Each guide covers one part of this event. Inside it, Gaite walks you through specific steps with the documents, deadlines, and people that go with them. Your plan includes the guides that fit your situation. Anything you do not pick stays ready for later.
01Immediate Safety and Danger AssessmentClarify whether the threat is active, escalating, or likely to recur, and build a safety response that fits the real situation.4 steps
- Assess whether danger is active, escalating, or receding
- Identify specific threats and risk patterns
- Create a safety plan for the next 24 to 72 hours
- Identify safe people, locations, and emergency contacts
02Confidential Communication and PrivacySecure safer phone, email, records, and planning channels so that safety planning and support happen without exposing plans to the person causing harm.4 steps
- Secure a private phone or communication channel
- Review and lock down digital accounts and location sharing
- Set up a safe mailing and contact system
- Create a code word or check-in system with a trusted person
03Immediate StabilizationMake housing, transportation, cash, medication, and daily functioning workable enough to act on what comes next.4 steps
- Secure safe housing for now
- Address transportation, medication, and daily essentials
- Access emergency financial resources
- Arrange work, school, and child-care continuity
04Medical, Forensic, and Urgent Care ChoicesSurface time-sensitive care and evidence options for injuries, sexual violence, strangulation, or acute health needs.3 steps
- Evaluate urgent medical and injury needs
- Understand forensic exam options and timing
- Document injuries and medical findings
05Documentation and Evidence TrackingKeep incidents, threats, injuries, and case numbers organized without raising danger.4 steps
- Set up a secure incident log
- Preserve digital evidence safely
- Organize police report numbers, case contacts, and legal documents
- Create a timeline of key events
06Reporting, Advocacy, and Legal OptionsExplain law enforcement, protection orders, victim compensation, and legal-aid paths without forcing any of them.4 steps
- Understand the options for reporting to law enforcement
- Explore protection orders and safety-related legal tools
- Identify victim compensation and legal aid resources
- Connect with an advocate or legal-aid attorney
07Children, Dependents, and Safety NetworksProtect routines and contact points when children, custody, caregiving, school, or workplace exposure are involved.4 steps
- Assess child or dependent exposure and safety needs
- Update school pickup lists, emergency contacts, and disclosure protocols
- Address custody, visitation, and supervised contact
- Plan workplace safety and disclosure
08Supporter Coordination and BoundariesLet helpers reduce burden without taking control, leaking plans, or escalating danger.3 steps
- Define what practical help is needed right now
- Set information-sharing boundaries with supporters
- Help supporters reduce burden without escalating danger
09Recovery Pacing and Longer-Term SupportAddress trauma responses, court fatigue, and practical rebuilding after the acute crisis.4 steps
- Understand common trauma responses and non-linear recovery
- Build a trauma-informed support plan
- Manage court fatigue, retriggering, and ongoing contact stress
- Plan for practical rebuilding after the acute crisis
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