Key Components of a Domestic Violence Safety Plan Documentation
A comprehensive domestic violence safety plan must include documentation of personal safety strategies, emergency contacts, escape routes, and firearm risk assessment to effectively reduce mortality and morbidity risks for victims.
Essential Components to Document
1. Risk Assessment Documentation
- Document completion of validated screening tools such as HITS (Hurt, Insulted, Threatened, Screamed at), HARK (Humiliation, Afraid, Rape, Kick), or STaT (Slapped, Threatened, and Throw) 1
- Record presence of firearms in the home, as their presence increases homicide risk by 500% 1
- Document any threats made with firearms, as nearly two-thirds of women in domestic violence situations with firearms report threats or use of weapons against them 1
2. Safety Planning Elements
- Emergency contacts (trusted friends/family, local domestic violence agencies)
- Safe escape routes from home
- Location of emergency "go bag" containing essential documents and supplies
- Code words to alert friends/family of danger
- Plan for children's safety (if applicable)
- Transportation arrangements for quick departure
- Documentation of restraining/protective orders 1
3. Resource Connection Documentation
- Local shelter information and availability
- Legal advocacy referrals
- Court services for protection orders
- Mental health counseling resources
- Financial assistance options 1
4. Technology Safety Planning
- Document instructions for securing digital devices and accounts
- Plan for addressing potential GPS tracking or surveillance
- Safe communication methods
5. Follow-up Care Planning
- Schedule for reassessment of safety plan (1 week, 2 weeks, etc.)
- Mental health support appointments
- Legal proceedings timeline 1
Implementation Guidance
Documentation Best Practices
- Use clear, objective language
- Document verbatim statements about threats
- Include dates and timeline of escalating violence
- Record physical injuries with descriptions (photographs if possible with patient consent)
- Document safety plan discussions and patient's understanding
Firearm Safety Considerations
- Document discussions about firearm access and removal
- Note that federal law restricts firearm purchases by persons convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors or with protective orders 1
- Record plans for firearm surrender if protective orders are in place
Special Considerations
- For pregnant victims, document additional risks and specialized safety planning
- For victims with children, document child safety planning elements
- For victims with disabilities, document accessibility considerations in safety planning
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Inadequate risk assessment: Failing to document firearm access significantly underestimates mortality risk 1
- Incomplete documentation: Safety plans must be comprehensive and address all aspects of the victim's life
- Failure to address technology risks: Modern safety plans must include digital safety components
- Not documenting follow-up plans: Safety planning is ongoing and requires scheduled reassessment
Clinical Pathway
- Initial documentation: Complete risk assessment using validated tools
- Safety strategy documentation: Record immediate safety measures
- Resource connection: Document referrals to community resources
- Follow-up planning: Schedule and document plan for continued support
- Reassessment: Document changes to safety plan at follow-up visits
By thoroughly documenting these key components, healthcare providers can help reduce the risk of serious injury or death for victims of domestic violence while supporting their path to safety and recovery.