The year 2025 is shaping up to be one like no other. We are navigating uncharted waters, facing personal and professional challenges that test our resilience. Yet, amid the uncertainty, there is an opportunity—to take stock of our lives and develop a safety plan. For victims and survivors of domestic violence or those simply seeking stability in turbulent times, having a plan can mean the difference between survival and stagnation.
For victims and survivors of domestic violence, a safety plan is more than just a strategy—it is a lifeline. It outlines crucial steps for protection, escape, and rebuilding life beyond abuse. A well-constructed plan includes identifying safe places, securing necessary documents, and establishing a support network. Organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotlines help plan, and the National Network to End Domestic Violence provides vital guidance, ensuring survivors have a roadmap to security. Additionally, victims and survivors must continually adapt to change and consistently update their plans as circumstances, or their environment evolve.
Beyond domestic violence, safety planning is a concept that everyone can embrace. Job instability, economic downturns, and unexpected life changes necessitate preparation. Just as survivors must have an escape plan, we all must be ready to pivot, adapt, and safeguard our well-being. This means creating financial buffers, setting clear personal and professional goals, and proactively seeking support when needed. As the recent chaotic firing of federal workers has shown, much like a DV survivor, it doesn’t matter—your race, education, or income level—life happens, and you have to figure out a plan to heal and move forward, cementing the vital need for domestic violence services and shelters. Additionally, federal job layoffs have added to the economic uncertainty, reinforcing the importance of contingency plans.
The recent e worker layoffs k at Southwest Airlines illustrate how even companies known for stability can face unexpected disruptions, underscoring the need for personal and professional safety planning.
However, preparing for the worst does not mean living in fear. The essence of a safety plan is empowerment. It allows us to anticipate challenges while maintaining hope and forward momentum. Instead of being paralyzed by uncertainty, we can face the future confidently, knowing we have prepared for whatever comes our way.
But what if you don’t know how to swim? What if uncertainty, fear, or lack of preparation leaves you feeling like you’re drowning? Now, more than ever, it’s time to learn. Safety planning isn’t just for those with a strategy—it’s for anyone willing to take control of their future. Start small, seek support, and take the first step toward stability. The key is not just to survive but to thrive.
As we move through 2025, let’s embrace this mindset. As Dory in Finding Nemo reminds us, “Just keep swimming.” Keep pushing forward, keep planning, and keep believing in a future where we are safe, stable, and thriving. Whether you are escaping danger or simply striving for a better life, remember—your safety plan is not just a precaution; it is your power.
About the Author: Yasmin Tarver directs Workforce Development programs for survivors of domestic violence and a member of The OpEd Project Public Voices Fellowship on Domestic Violence and Economic Security