When someone is experiencing stalking or harassment, safety can begin to feel uncertain. A safety plan is not about living in fear — it is about creating structure, preparation, and peace of mind.
Safety planning empowers survivors to regain control, reduce risk, and respond confidently if situations escalate.
This step-by-step guide explains how to build a practical safety plan in Canada.
What Is a Safety Plan?
A safety plan is a personalized strategy designed to reduce risk and increase protection in situations involving stalking, harassment, or intimate partner violence.
It includes:
• Environmental awareness
• Digital protection
• Emergency contacts
• Legal preparation
• Emotional support systems
Every safety plan should be tailored to the individual’s circumstances.
Step 1: Assess Your Current Risk Level
Ask yourself:
• Has behaviour escalated?
• Has the person ignored clear boundaries?
• Have threats been made?
• Do they know your routine?
• Do you feel fear for your safety?
Trust your instincts.
If you feel unsafe, your safety plan should be more proactive.
Step 2: Strengthen Physical Safety
Consider:
✔ Changing daily routines
✔ Parking in well-lit areas
✔ Varying travel routes
✔ Informing trusted people of your schedule
✔ Installing security cameras or alarms
✔ Keeping doors and windows secured
Preparation reduces vulnerability.
Step 3: Create an Emergency Contact Plan
Identify:
• Two trusted people you can call
• A code word for urgent help
• Safe places you can go quickly
• A packed emergency bag (if needed)
Keep emergency numbers saved and easily accessible.
Step 4: Enhance Digital Safety
Protect your online presence:
✔ Update passwords
✔ Enable two-factor authentication
✔ Limit location sharing
✔ Review social media privacy
✔ Avoid posting real-time locations
Review device security regularly.
Read our Cyberstalking guide for more digital safety strategies.
Step 5: Document Everything
Maintain:
• A detailed incident log
• Saved screenshots
• Witness information
• Dates and times
• Police file numbers (if applicable)
Documentation strengthens legal protection if escalation occurs.
Step 6: Know Your Legal Options
Depending on your situation, options may include:
• Criminal harassment reporting
• Peace bonds
• Protection orders
• Workplace accommodations
• Human rights complaints
Understanding your rights reduces uncertainty.
Visit our Legal Rights guide for more information.
Step 7: Plan for Workplace Safety
If harassment impacts your job:
✔ Inform a supervisor or HR
✔ Request safety accommodations
✔ Ask about building security procedures
✔ Document workplace incidents
Employers have obligations to maintain safe environments.
Step 8: Protect Your Emotional Wellbeing
Safety planning is not only physical — it is emotional.
Consider:
✔ Trauma-informed counselling
✔ Support groups
✔ Grounding exercises
✔ Structured routines
✔ Limiting exposure to triggering content
Healing supports resilience.
Step 9: Revisit and Update Your Plan
Safety plans are not static.
Reassess if:
• Behaviour escalates
• New threats appear
• Life circumstances change
• Legal action begins
Update your plan regularly.
You Deserve to Feel Safe
Creating a safety plan does not mean you expect danger. It means you are taking your safety seriously.
Preparedness builds confidence.
How Safety Warrior Mama Supports Safety Planning
Safety Warrior Mama provides survivor-led education, safety planning guidance, and workplace training across British Columbia and Canada.
We help individuals and organizations develop proactive safety strategies rooted in real-world experience.
If you need support building your safety plan, contact us for guidance.
You deserve safety, strength, and peace of mind.
