Relationship Safety Plan
A safety planning template for people experiencing intimate partner or family violence, covering warning signs, safe places, a quick-leave checklist, staying safer and support services.
2-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Safety planning
- Approach / concern
- Universal
- Technique
- Safety planning
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 2 pages (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Relationship Safety Plan?
Safety planning helps people experiencing intimate partner or family violence anticipate danger and plan responses, including where to go, what to take and who to contact. It is ideally completed with a trained advocate or counsellor.
Why it works
Intimate partner violence has serious health consequences (Campbell, 2002). Risk assessment tools such as the Danger Assessment help identify high-risk situations and inform safety planning (Campbell et al., 2009).
When to use it
- Clients disclosing abuse or coercive control
- Planning to leave an abusive relationship
- After separation, a high-risk period
- Family violence situations
How to use it in session
- Prioritize immediate safety.
- Complete the plan collaboratively and discreetly.
- Identify warning signs and safe options.
- Prepare a quick-leave checklist.
- Connect with shelters and victim services.
Clinician tips
- Consider digital safety: shared accounts, location tracking.
- Leaving can increase risk; plan carefully with advocates.
- Respect the client’s choices and timeline.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to keep this plan at home?
Only if your partner can’t find it. Many people complete it with a counsellor and keep copies with someone trusted.
Where can I get help in Canada?
Local shelters, transition houses and victim services offer 24/7 support. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
References
Campbell, J. C. (2002). Health consequences of intimate partner violence. The Lancet, 359(9314), 1331-1336.
Campbell, J. C., Webster, D. W., & Glass, N. (2009). The Danger Assessment: Validation of a lethality risk assessment instrument for intimate partner femicide. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 24(4), 653-674.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
