Immediate Safety· 4 min
What To Do in the First 10 Minutes
Fast actions that help lower danger and connect you to support quickly.
What This Lesson Covers
Step 1
If You Are in Immediate Danger
Step 2
First 10-Minute Action Plan
Step 3
If You Cannot Leave Immediately
Step 4
After You Reach Safety
Section 1
If You Are in Immediate Danger
- Your safety comes first. If you can, move to a public place, a neighbor's home, a shop, or anywhere with people nearby.
- If possible, call 999 or GBV hotline 1195 immediately. If speaking is unsafe, send a short message like 'HELP. I am in danger at [location]'.
- If your phone is being monitored, use a trusted person's phone or a safe computer at a public center.
Section 2
First 10-Minute Action Plan
- Minute 1 to 2: Breathe, assess exits, and move toward safety.
- Minute 3 to 4: Alert one trusted contact and share your location.
- Minute 5 to 6: Trigger panic alert in Usalama Voice if safe.
- Minute 7 to 8: Gather essential items only (ID, phone, medication, keys).
- Minute 9 to 10: Move to a safer place and avoid returning alone.
Section 3
If You Cannot Leave Immediately
- Stay near an exit and avoid rooms with weapons (kitchen/workshop).
- Keep your phone charged and on silent vibrate.
- Use a coded message with trusted contacts (for example: 'Please check on me now').
- Avoid arguing or escalating while planning your safest exit route.
Section 4
After You Reach Safety
- Contact a support service, shelter, or trusted family member.
- Write down key details while memory is fresh (time, place, what happened).
- Seek medical care as soon as possible, especially for injuries or sexual assault.
- Consider preserving evidence only when safe to do so.
Quick Reference
Helpful Links for This Lesson
Related Support
Keep Going with Connected Resources
Track Navigation
More in Immediate Safety
Next Lesson
Safety After Leaving