Safety Planning
The first question every signaler is asked is “are in a safe place to have a conversation?” If the signaler feels safe, the Hotline Professional offers tips in case that changes. If the signaler has safety concerns, the advocate and signaler will make a detailed immediate safety plan then decide whether to continue or to try to connect again in a safer environment.
What is a safety plan?
Safety plans might include creating a safe word or a way to reconnect if one party has to end the conversation abruptly. Other support could include advising on technology, such as suggesting that texts be deleted, the Trafficking Hotline number be saved in contacts under a fake name, or the GPS on phones turned off to block electronic tracking. Hotline Professionals also might ask them to plan where to go, who to call, what to bring if they need to leave immediately and how they would find transportation or otherwise get to a safe place.
Do you feel safe continuing this conversation right now?