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Safety Planning

The VSU Advocates are available to assist students who would like to explore options for increasing their personal safety on and off campus. A safety plan may be helpful to map out your support system and resources in the event you find yourself in danger or fear of danger.

If I am starting to feel unsafe with my partner(s), I can:

  • Ask my partner(s) to leave. If they refuse, I can get help from my Resident Assistant, Residence Hall Director, Apartment Manager or someone in my building, or I can call the police (9-1-1)
  • Make sure that I have a ready excuse for why I need to leave
  • Have a code word or phrase that lets my friends know I need help. I will discuss with friends and family what they should do if i use a code word or phrase.
    • Example 1: My code word is … When I say this word that means I need you to [insert action that you want the person to take]
    • Example 2: My code phrase is … When I say this phrase that means I need you [insert action that you want the person to take]
    • Some examples of actions to take include, but not limited to
      • Come get me
      • Call 9-1-1
      • Call me back in 5 minutes
      • Call my mom
      • Go get help
  • Pre-program 911 into my cell phone or download 
    • : Need help getting home? Need an interruption? Two taps lets your circle know where you are and how they can help.  for iPhone and Android makes it quick and easy to reach the 6 people you choose.
  • Move to a room with easy access to an exit and avoid rooms like the kitchen or bathroom or anywhere with weapons and/or hard surfaces.

If I need a safe place to go, I can:

  • Contact _________to see if I can stay with them
  • Arrange with friends ahead of time to stay at their place if necessary
  • Contact the local police department for an escort to a safe place
  • Call 804-481-5738 for help in arranging an emergency place to stay

Once my partner(s) has left, I can do the following to help keep myself safe:

  • Contact the Title IX Coordinator, Resident Advisor, campus and/or local police department to report any crime that may have occurred. (i.e. grabbing, hitting, threatening, harassment)
  • Contact the police and/or VSU Advocate to obtain a protective order.
  • Talk with my friends and other people in my building about ways to help me stay safe, including not propping the door open, and letting me know if my partner(s)/abuser(s) is in the building
  • Email “Ask the Advocate” for information and support regarding my options on what to do next
  • Make sure that any broken locks or windows are replaced. Work with your landlord or Resident Hall Director to change or add locks, if necessary.
    • The Commonwealth of Virginia does not allow the changing of locks when the partner(s)/abuser(s) reside in the home. Please speak with a VSU Advocate or VSU Police about options for securing your home.

If I am injured as a result of my partner’s abuse, I can:

  • Seek emergency medical assistance by dialing 911
  • Contact my Residence Hall Director or the VSU Police to arrange transportation to VCU Health
  • Have my injuries checked at Student Health Services

A VSU Advocate can accompany you to your medical appointment, pending availability.

For more long term help, I can:

  • Contact a VSU Advocate for additional support and options regarding:
    • Learning about my academic options if I find that my academic work is being impacted by this situation
    • Deciding if and how my parents should be notified
    • Requesting that disciplinary action be taken against my partner/abuser if my abuser is also a VSU student.
    • Having a better understanding of my feelings about what has happened by getting help at University Counseling Center or off-campus counselors