Forced-Marriage Safety Plan Record

PROBLEM: Getting out of a forced marriage is a safety problem before it is a legal problem. The public guidance is consistent: do not confront the people forcing you alone; tell someone you trust; call a confidential hotline; do not travel overseas if a forced marriage is planned there; document threats; know the nearest shelter and legal help. But safety plans are usually made in a phone call and forgotten — and the person in danger is the one who has to remember every step, every number, and every document while under pressure.

SOLUTION: A forced-marriage safety plan record: every plan logged with the trusted contact, the hotlines (National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888; National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233; Tahirih FMI 571-282-6161), the safe place, the documents to take, and the "do not travel" flag — held where only the person at risk can reach it, so the way out is written down before the moment it is needed.

EVIDENCE BASIS: DOCUMENTED — safety guidance from Tahirih Justice Center ("do not travel overseas"; alert trusted people; STEP enrollment; nearest embassy/consulate), USCIS (call 911 in immediate danger; contact the hotlines), and the National Human Trafficking Hotline and National Domestic Violence Hotline listings. Sources: preventforcedmarriage.org; USCIS "About Forced Marriage."