In safety planning, which statement best reflects the risk to victims?

In safety planning, which statement best reflects the risk to victims?

• A. Victims should pursue legal remedies to end abuse
• B. Safety planning with her advocate is essential
• C. Victims face increasing danger when pursuing legal remedies or fleeing
• D. Do not discuss safety planning to avoid causing fear

Answer: (C)

Understanding risk in safety planning means recognizing that attempts to leave an abusive situation or to pursue legal remedies can provoke a dangerous response from the abuser. The best statement captures this reality by noting that victims may face increasing danger when they pursue legal remedies or try to flee. This framing explains why safety planning emphasizes careful timing, risk assessment, and coordinated support so that steps toward safety are taken with resources in place and with protection, rather than assuming safety will automatically follow. Other options either imply that safety is guaranteed through legal action, describe safety planning in a general way without addressing how risk can escalate, or discourage discussing safety planning altogether, which would leave victims more exposed to harm.

Understanding risk in safety planning means recognizing that attempts to leave an abusive situation or to pursue legal remedies can provoke a dangerous response from the abuser. The best statement captures this reality by noting that victims may face increasing danger when they pursue legal remedies or try to flee. This framing explains why safety planning emphasizes careful timing, risk assessment, and coordinated support so that steps toward safety are taken with resources in place and with protection, rather than assuming safety will automatically follow. Other options either imply that safety is guaranteed through legal action, describe safety planning in a general way without addressing how risk can escalate, or discourage discussing safety planning altogether, which would leave victims more exposed to harm.