Safety
Hear this word Safety
Image description: Feeling physically and emotionally safe with each other
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What Is It?
Safety is when we are protected from violence, danger, or other serious or unwanted situations.
If someone is experiencing physical danger (like fighting or being hit), sexual violence (like being forced to do sexual activities they do not want to do), or emotional violence (like a partner or person who embarrasses or manipulates them), it is not that person’s fault. Sometimes we need help from others to have safety in our lives and our relationships.
Practicing safer sex strategies can help to prevent serious or unwanted sexual health situations like transmitting STIs to partners or creating an unwanted pregnancy.
An Example
| Rory and Sidney experience feelings of safety in their relationship. They trust and support each other. They can be themselves by expressing their emotions and by communicating honestly. They do this while also being kind and loving to each other. |
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- If we don’t have safety in our lives, friends and family we trust or people like therapists and counselors can help us explore our feelings.
- They could also help us create safety plans to change or leave certain situations so we can have more safety in our lives.
- If we want anonymous help, we can reach out to organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org) or Survivor Support Services at Planned Parenthood of Greater New York (1-866-307-4086.
- If we want to try to prevent serious or unwanted situations related to sexual health, we can use safer sex strategies. Examples of safer sex strategies include only having sex with partners when there is consent, using condoms and dental dams during sexual activities, using birth control if we don’t want to create a pregnancy, and getting tested for STIs regularly.
Think about
Hover or tap the cards below to reveal suggestions or ideas!
What did you learn about safety?
To learn more, explore websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub or visit other parts of Your Sexual Health Toolkit like our online game, Our Stories, Our Journeys: A Sexual Health Game!
What questions do you have about safety?
Write down or record an audio note with any questions you have to ask someone you trust. You may also find answers to your questions by using websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub.