Help write a security guide for domestic violence shelters

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Shockingly, many domestic violence shelters don’t have a basic security plan. As a result, some of the security best practices that should be in place, aren’t in place. This means that all too often the basic elements are being missed, which puts the domestic violence victims and shelter staff at risk.

As a part of Operation Safe Escape, OSPA is creating a security plan template that can be used by any shelter or advocacy group. We’re working with shelters and human trafficking organizations to make sure that everything’s covered, but we need your help. We need people that can help write the security appendixes. Some information is already there, we just need to finish out the sections.

The sections that are incomplete are:

- Physical security (alarms, locks, lighting, etc)

- Cybersecurity / Social engineering

- Initial contact procedures

- Sample Non-disclosure agreement

- Sample security rules for residents

- Security self-assessment checklist

You can help with any section or all of the sections, depending on your experience or availability. The updates are being made collaboratively using google docs; you'll be sent the link to make changes. Please make sure to use the same numbering scheme already in place.

About Operation: Safe Escape

By some reports, 85% of domestic violence homicides occur after the victim has decided to leave their abuser. This is a dangerous time, and fortunately many resources exist to keep them safe.

What's missing, unfortunately, is the security layer. That is, how to properly apply Operations Security (OPSEC) to hide the victim's intent to leave. That would keep a lot of people safe and help reduce that number.

Operation: Safe Escape teaches shelters and victims how to identify the behaviors and actions that would tip off the abuser to the fact that they're trying to leave and help reduce the risk until they're safely away.

About OSPA

The Operations Security Professional's Association (OSPA) is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides security awareness and training to a diverse audience that includes schools, government / military, domestic violence centers, private sector entities and more.