Accessible safety planning
Disability, Caregiving, and Abuse
Safety considerations involving mobility, communication, medication, equipment, benefits, and caregiver control.
Abuse may exploit access needs
An abusive person or caregiver may withhold medication, food, communication devices, mobility equipment, transportation, personal care, benefits, or medical appointments. They may speak for the survivor, threaten institutionalization, or use disability to discredit reports. These actions can be abuse even when the person also provides necessary care.
Build an access-centered plan
A standard safety plan may not fit. Work with an advocate who will listen to the survivor's expertise about their body, communication, care, and environment.
- List equipment, charging needs, medication, supplies, and accessible transportation
- Identify backup personal-care or communication support
- Store copies of benefits, guardianship, insurance, and medical information safely
- Choose emergency contacts who understand communication preferences
- Ask shelters about physical, sensory, cognitive, and service-animal access before arrival
Preserve autonomy
Supporters should address the survivor directly, provide communication access, explain choices, and avoid taking over decisions. Adult protective services, disability-rights organizations, legal aid, and domestic violence programs have different roles; a qualified advocate can help identify the best local option.