NC State Women's Center >> Relationship Violence >> Safety Planning >> On Campus

If you feel threatened by a current or former partner, it is best to plan for your safety before you are in a potentially violent situation. Leaving an relationship with an abusive partner can be a very dangerous time, therefore it is important to plan for your safety whether or not you are ready to leave your partner.

Increasing safety during an explosive incident

• Call the police at 911 for emergency assistance.
• If an argument is unavoidable, try to position yourself where you can easily get away. Avoid kitchens, bathrooms, or other areas where weapons may be available. Know the locations of all residence hall exits.
• Identify at least one roommate and/or neighbor that you can tell about your situation and create a code word that will alert them to call for help in a potentially dangerous situation.
• Familiarize yourself with the locations of the emergency blue light stations around campus. These stations have a direct link to the NC State Police Dispatcher.

Increasing safety when the relationship is over

• Let your roommate, residence hall advisor, and/or neighbors know that you are no longer in a relationship with your former partner.
• You may obtain a restraining order from the local magistrate court. Student Legal Services (919-515-7091)can assist you with this process. Keep a copy of your restraining order with you at all times.
• If your abusive partner is also an NC State student, you can file a complaint with the Office of Student Conduct (919-515-2963).

• You may want to notify your employer and fellow workers of your situation so they can screen your calls and/or visitors.
• You can change your phone number, email address, and/or you can permanently relocate in another residence hall.  
• You may want to consider changing your class and work schedule and the routes you take both on-campus and off-campus. It is also a good idea to avoid places that your former partner knows you frequent, such as gyms, dining locations, bars and parties, etc.

• You may want to alert your professors to your situation. It may also be possible to change your class schedule, depending on the time of the semester and your individual situation.

Improving your emotional well-being

• Identify at least two people that you can call for support if you feel depressed or ready to return to a potentially abusive situation.
• Seek individual or group counseling to gain support and strengthen your relationships with other people.