In trauma-informed practice, which of the following is a common feature of a survivor-centered safety plan?

• A. It includes purely legal actions
• B. It eliminates social supports
• C. It includes gradual steps and privacy-protective communication
• D. It ignores the survivor's preferences

Answer: (C)

A survivor-centered safety plan in trauma-informed practice emphasizes safety that is collaborative, voluntary, and respects privacy. It is built with the survivor’s input, progresses at a pace they set, and uses communication that protects confidentiality so information is shared only as needed and with consent. This approach reduces retraumatization and supports empowerment by giving the survivor control over steps toward safety.

That’s why including gradual steps and privacy-protective communication is the best fit. It honors the survivor’s autonomy, builds trust, and ensures safety moves forward in a way the survivor can manage. In contrast, relying solely on legal actions can overlook readiness and consent; removing social supports undermines safety and recovery; and ignoring the survivor’s preferences violates their autonomy and agency.