There are several options and resources available to you for assistance with accessing greater safety and security. Implementing these options and resources often begins with establishing a safety plan. Adv
Safety Planning
Safety planning is about brainstorming ways to stay safe that may also help reduce the risk of future harm for you, your children and/or your pets. It can include planning for a future crisis, considering your options, and making decisions about your next steps.
Safety planning may involve multiple resources and strategies and may include implementing tech safety, changing contact information, obtaining a protective order, acquiring personal safety devices, installing new door locks and/or home security systems, relocation, enrolling in an address confidentiality program, and building a support network of advocates, family, friends, neighbors, coworkers or other caring members of your community you can trust.
Online Safety Planning Guides
Safety Planning Apps
- myPlan is a mobile app and safety planning tool, aimed to empower those affected by Intimate Partner Violence to make safety decisions regarding their abusive relationships.
- DocuSAFE is a free app that helps survivors collect, store, and share evidence of abuse, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, online harassment, and dating violence.
- TechSafety is a free app containing information that can help someone identify technology-facilitated harassment, stalking, or abuse and includes tips on what can be done. It also includes additional resources on documenting abuse, talking with an advocate, contacting police, getting an attorney, and where to call for help.
Protective Orders
You can request a protective order by filling out a petition online at https://azpoint.azcourts.gov. If you need assistance with completing the petition or need safety planning or other resources, you may speak with one of our Victim Services Assistants at 480-644-2188.
Once you have submitted your petition, you will receive a confirmation number which you can bring to any court in Arizona. A judge will review your petition and decide whether it should be granted.
Protective orders are not in effect until they have been served upon the defendant and are valid for one year from the date of service. A defendant may request a hearing to contest an order at the court it was issued. If the plaintiff fails to attend the hearing, the order will be quashed.
There are two types of protective orders: an Order of Protection (OOP) and an Injunction Against Harassment (IAH).
Orders of Protection are issued when there is a domestic or romantic relationship between the petitioner (plaintiff) and the defendant (person you are getting the order against). These relationships include family, marriage, dating, previously romantic or sharing a household (living together/roommates). For an OOP to be granted, you must be able to allege one instance of domestic violence were committed against you by the defendant in the past year. OOPs may be served by the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the defendant lives, or by a city contracted process server.
Injunctions Against Harassment are issued when the relationship between the plaintiff and defendant is not domestic, familial, or romantic. Some examples include neighbors, coworkers, friends, or strangers. For an IAH to be granted, you must be able to allege one instance of sexual violence or at least two incidents in the past year during which the defendant harassed you. IAHs are served by a process server hired by the victim. If the victim informs the court, they are unable to afford a Process Server, the court may waive the fee.
Address Confidentiality Program
The Arizona Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) is a program that helps victims of domestic violence, sexual offenses, and stalking from being located by the perpetrator through public records. The program provides a substitute address and confidential mail forwarding service to individuals and families across Arizona.
Anyone interested in applying to the program must meet in person with a registered Application Assistant. VSU advocates are registered and qualified to assist victims with enrolling in ACP. If you would like to enroll in ACP, please contact our office at 480-644-2188.
Pet Safety Resources
When domestic violence survivors are ready to leave their abusers, many are faced with the challenge of finding shelter for themselves, their children, and their pets. Unfortunately, many shelters do not have the means to house companion animals. However, some resources are available. Pets can now be protected on court issued orders of protection, and several organizations assist with providing shelter, foster care or financial support to help domestic violence victims and their pets find a safe and secure place to live.
