COLUMN: Beyond the Shelter – Moving forward: Safety planning and transition

Leaving an abusive situation is often one of the most dangerous and emotional stages in a survivor’s journey. While every situation is different, having a safety plan and ongoing support can make a significant difference in helping individuals move forward safely and confidently.

A safety plan is a personalized plan designed around an individual’s unique circumstances. It helps prepare someone for situations where they may need to leave quickly, protect themselves from danger, or navigate life after abuse. Safety planning can include identifying trusted supports, having emergency contacts ready, preparing a “to-go” bag, or creating a plan for where to go in an emergency. The overall goal is to reduce risk and help individuals feel more prepared and supported.

Safety planning does not only begin when someone decides to leave. It can happen at any stage of a person’s journey. Ideally, planning begins before someone leaves an abusive situation so they can better navigate possible risks and challenges that may arise during the transition.

There are many small but important steps that can increase safety. These may include:

Keeping important documents in an accessible place

Turning off location services on devices

Having a packed bag ready in case a quick exit is needed

Identifying safe people, shelters, or crisis lines to contact

Knowing where to go if immediate safety is needed

While leaving abuse can create hope for a new beginning, the transition into independent living can also come with many challenges. Survivors often face increased anxiety, stress, or depression as they adjust to life after shelter. Financial struggles are also a major barrier, especially as many individuals are rebuilding from the ground up while relying on limited financial resources. In many cases, financial hardship becomes one of the reasons survivors may feel pressured to return to unsafe environments.

Continued support after leaving shelter is incredibly important. Follow-up programs can provide ongoing emotional support, advocacy, and connection to community resources. Staff often work alongside survivors to help connect them with food banks, counselling services, financial supports, and other community programs that can help ease the transition into independent living.

Safe and stable housing also plays a critical role in moving forward. Having a secure place to live can provide stability, safety, and a renewed sense of control. For many survivors, it is the first opportunity in a long time to truly have a space where they feel safe.

Even through the many challenges survivors face, there are incredible strengths that shine through during this process. Courage is one of the most powerful. Leaving abuse, entering shelter, and beginning again takes tremendous strength. Many survivors also show deep hopefulness and determination as they work toward building safer, healthier futures for themselves and their families.

Moving forward is not always easy, but with safety planning, support, and community connections, survivors can continue taking important steps toward healing and independence.

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Agape House provides a safe space and 24/7 support to those experiencing domestic violence in Southeastern Manitoba. The local crisis line can be reached at 204-346-0028.

Lisa Fast is the outreach and housing coordinator for Agape House.