Creating a Safety Plan for Victims of Domestic Violence in the Caribbean

Whether referred to as domestic violence, intimate partner violence, domestic abuse, or partner abuse, violence in intimate relationships is a widespread social, criminal justice, and public health issue in the Caribbean. Despite the pervasive nature of domestic violence and a plethora of research on the phenomenon spanning the disciplines of criminology and criminal justice, gender studies, mediation, and social work, there is a dearth of scientific enquiry on the creation and implementation of safety plans for usage by victims of violence in intimate relationships in the region. Due to this existing lacuna, this chapter sought to fill the gap by conducting outcomes-based research aimed at creating a safety plan for victims of domestic violence in the Caribbean. The safety plan is premised on the 4R approach (recognition, recording, responsiveness, and reassurance) and involves other intersecting factors, for example, individuals, organizations, and the state. Importantly, the safety plan is created for usage at homes and workplaces as an intervention mechanism that allows victims and potential victims of domestic violence in the Caribbean to have access to a plan of action for their safety at home and at the workplace while providing a potential escape mechanism from violence in intimate settings.