Did you know it takes a victim an average of 7 times to leave an abusive
relationship? And the most dangerous time for a victim is when she is trying to leave? Intimate
partner violence is about power and control. When a victim decides to leave, the abuser becomes
fearful of losing control over the victim and can resort to increased aggressiveness in coerce the
victim to stay. Safety planning helps the victim to prepare in advance, increasing the opportunity
for safety for herself, her children and her pets.