Which statement best describes the purpose of safety planning in crisis work?

• A. To predict future violence with certainty.
• B. To create concrete steps to reduce danger and increase the survivor’s control.
• C. To replace legal intervention.
• D. To document history for prosecutors.

Answer: (B)

Safety planning centers on practical steps to reduce danger and give the survivor more control over their safety. It’s a collaborative, action-focused process that tailors concrete actions to the person’s situation—like identifying safe places and trusted contacts, ensuring access to important documents, creating escape routes, and knowing how to get help quickly. The goal is to lower immediate risk and empower decision-making now and in the near future, rather than making guarantees about future violence. It isn’t meant to replace legal protections or interventions, even though those may be part of a broader safety strategy. Nor is it about collecting history for prosecutors; its primary purpose is to enhance safety and autonomy in the moment and going forward.