Safety Planning

Before You Begin

If you are reviewing our support options while at home with your abuser use the red Exit Site button to be quickly directed off our site. We recommend you choose a computer at work, the library or with a trusted friend instead of a home computer as it doesn't take a computer programmer to monitor your activity. If you're using email to communicate your situation with anyone change your password, make sure it's not one that's easy to guess and do not save the password with your browser.

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A Safety Plan is a Must

Before you decide to leave your home and abuser, please connect with us to create a safety plan. You can stop in our offices or use our 24-hour help line 888-290-2935 to help with safety planning. A safety plan outlines ways to remain safe while you plan and after you are out. We discuss your specific situation and create a custom plan that considers habits, children, where you'll go, what you'll need to take and how to make a safe exit. A strong safety plan will have all the essential information you need and is specific to your situation. It will also help walk you through different scenarios.

In moments of crisis, it is difficult to think things through and make logical decisions about your safety. By laying out a safety plan in advance, you can help protect yourself and your children at a stressful time. It will also make sure you are aware of all the supportive resources in our community.

Available 24 / 7 / 365

If help is needed, please call us any time at 888-290-2935 or 605-226-1212. Walk-in support is also available Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm at 2005 S Merton Street, just west of Aberdeen Central High School in Aberdeen, SD.

Nowhere to Go?

Our shelter is staffed every day, all day, and a safe place for you and your children to go to get away from your abuser. We will house, protect and support you and your children while helping you plan a life without your abuser.

We Will Travel to You

If Brown County is not your home and a trip to Aberdeen is challenging, our Outreach Coordinator holds office hours throughout our servicing region. Connect with us at one of these locations if you need assistance with safety planning.

  • Potter County Library -
    First Tuesday of the month
  • Edmunds County Courthouse -
    Second Tuesday of the month
  • McPherson County Courthouse -
    Third Tuesday of the month
  • Day County Courthouse -
    4th Tuesday of the month
  • Britton Community Center -
    4th Tuesday of the month
Safe Harbor map service area in South Dakota

I Have a New Life Now

"[Safe Harbor] has given me opportunity and freedom. I have a new life and am now part of something."

- Domestic Abuse Survivor, Name Withheld