safe-exit-planner

# Safe Exit Planner Leaving a dangerous situation is the most dangerous time. This skill provides safety planning resources, secure communication methods, and step-by-step exit procedures developed by domestic violence organizations. Hotlines and legal resources are US-specific — for international DV resources, contact your country's national hotline. ```agent-adaptation # Localization required — hotlines and legal resources in this skill are US-specific. # Agent must follow these rules when working with non-US users: - Detect user's country/region from profile, conversation context, or by asking. - IMMEDIATELY provide local crisis resources — do not wait for the user to ask. Universal starting point: findahelpline.com — verified active March 2026, covers hotlines for domestic violence, crisis support, and safety in most countries. - Country-specific DV hotlines: UK: National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 (Refuge) Australia: 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) Canada: crisis lines vary by province — sheltersafe.ca for shelter locator Ireland: Women's Aid 1800 341 900 New Zealand: 0800 456 450 Germany: Hilfetelefon 0800 111 0 111 France: 3919 (Violences Femmes Info) For any other country: search "[country] domestic violence hotline" - Protective order procedures, legal aid, and shelter access are highly jurisdiction-specific. Research local options before advising. - Substitute US-specific references (VAWA, restraining order procedures, state-specific shelters) with local equivalents. - Safety planning principles (digital safety, leaving safely, evidence preservation) are universal — apply them regardless of jurisdiction. ``` ## Sources & Verification - National Domestic Violence Hotline: [thehotline.org](https://www.thehotline.org/) — verified active 24/7 as of March 2026 - Safety planning framework: National Network to End Domestic Violence, "Safety Planning with Technology" ([techsafety.org](https://www.techsafety.org/resources-survivors/technology-safety-plan)) - Protective order procedures by state: WomensLaw.org, "State Law Information" ([womenslaw.org/laws](https://www.womenslaw.org/laws)) - Legal aid resources: Legal Services Corporation ([lawhelp.org](https://www.lawhelp.org/)) - GPS tracker detection: National Network to End Domestic Violence, "Technology Safety" resources - Signal app encryption: Signal Foundation ([signal.org](https://signal.org/)) - DV statistics and lethality assessment: Campbell, J., "Danger Assessment," Johns Hopkins School of Nursing ([dangerassessment.org](https://www.dangerassessment.org/)) ## When to Use - User mentions feeling unsafe at home - Describes controlling, threatening, or violent behavior from a partner/family member - Wants to leave but doesn't know how to do it safely - Needs resources for domestic violence support - Asking about protective orders or legal protections ## Instructions ### SAFETY CHECK — Agent Protocol **CRITICAL:** Before engaging with this skill, the agent MUST determine: > "Is the person you're helping in immediate physical danger right now?" - If YES: **Call 911.** Do not proceed with planning. Immediate safety first. - If the person's devices may be monitored: **Do not display or read this skill aloud.** Direct them to call 1-800-799-7233 from a safe phone or visit a library to access thehotline.org. **Agent action**: Never store conversation logs about this topic in a location accessible to other users of the device. If possible, remind the user to clear their browser/chat history after this session. ### SAFETY WARNING: Before anything else ``` ⚠️ IF THE PERSON CONTROLLING YOU HAS ACCESS TO YOUR DEVICES: → Use a computer at a library, friend's house, or work → Open a private/incognito browser window → Clear browser history after every search → Use a secondary phone or prepaid phone for calls → The National DV Hotline can help you make a safety plan: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or text START to 88788 ``` ### Step 1: Immediate crisis resources ``` CRISIS CONTACTS: → National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 Text START to 88788 | Chat: thehotline.org Available 24/7, free, confidential, multilingual → If in immediate danger: Call 911 → Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 → National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 ``` ### Step 2: Safety planning ``` SAFETY PLAN CHECKLIST: DOCUMENTS TO GATHER (copies, stored outside the home): □ ID (driver's license, passport) □ Birth certificates (yours and children's) □ Social Security cards □ Insurance cards □ Financial records (bank accounts, credit cards) □ Immigration documents if applicable □ Protective order if you have one □ Lease or mortgage documents □ Phone records □ Evidence of abuse (photos, texts, medical records) ESSENTIALS BAG (kept at a trusted friend's home): □ Documents listed above □ Cash (enough for 2-3 days) □ House and car keys (spare set) □ Medication □ Phone charger □ Change of clothes for you and children □ Children's comfort items SAFE CONTACTS: □ One person who knows your plan □ Local DV shelter phone number □ Domestic violence advocate □ Trusted family/friend who can house you temporarily ``` ### Step 3: Secure communication ``` SAFE COMMUNICATION METHODS: → Signal app (encrypted, messages can auto-delete) → Prepaid phone paid for with cash → New email account (not linked to your real name) → Library computers → Turn OFF location sharing on your phone → Check for tracking apps: look for unfamiliar apps, check battery usage for hidden background apps → If you suspect your car is tracked: check under the vehicle for GPS trackers (small magnetic boxes) ``` ### Step 4: Legal protections ``` PROTECTIVE ORDERS: → You can file for a protective/restraining order at your local courthouse — no lawyer needed → Many courthouses have DV advocates who help with paperwork → Temporary orders can be issued the same day → Violation of a protective order is a criminal offense FREE LEGAL HELP: → Legal Aid: lawhelp.org → WomensLaw.org — legal information by state → Local bar association pro bono programs ``` ## If This Fails If the user cannot safely execute the exit plan: 1. **Cannot leave yet?** The National DV Hotline (1-800-799-7233) can help create a safety plan for staying safer while still in the home. Leaving is not the only option — harm reduction while in the situation is valid. 2. **No safe contacts?** DV shelters accept walk-ins. Locations are confidential. Call the hotline for the nearest one. 3. **Cannot access documents?** Leave without them if necessary. Documents can be replaced. Your safety cannot. 4. **Being tracked digitally?** The Safety Net project at NNEDV ([techsafety.org](https://www.techsafety.org/)) has guides for every device and platform. Or call the hotline — they have tech safety specialists. 5. **Legal protection denied or ineffective?** Contact WomensLaw.org's email hotline or call your local legal aid. Some states allow emergency protective orders by phone. 6. **The situation escalated?** Call 911. If you cannot speak, call 911 and leave the line open — dispatchers are trained to listen and send help. ## Rules - ALWAYS lead with safety. Never recommend confrontation. - Provide hotline numbers in EVERY response about this topic - Do not store or display information that could endanger the user if their device is monitored - This skill provides resources and planning — always defer to trained DV professionals for personalized safety plans - If children are involved, mention that DV shelters accept families ## Tips - The most dangerous time is immediately after leaving. A safety plan reduces risk significantly. - DV shelters are confidential — their addresses are not public. - Many DV organizations provide free phones, legal help, housing assistance, and job placement. - Economic abuse (controlling finances) is abuse. The user doesn't need physical violence to qualify for DV resources.