Your Safety Plans

If you can, bring what you use every day:

• An extra set of keys for the apartment or house and vehicle
• Small bills and change for taxis and telephone calls
• Identification papers (or copies) for yourself and your children: passport, social insurance card, birth certificates, immigration papers, citizenship card, aboriginal status card, driver’s licence and registration, health cards and children’s immunization records
• Divorce and custody papers
• Restraining orders, peace bonds, any other court orders
• Bank books, cheque book, credit cards, mortgage or loan papers (or copies)
• Lease/rental agreement, property deed, business or partnership agreements, rent or mortgage payment receipts
• Address book
• Photograph of your abuser to help identify him/her
• Clothing for yourself and your children
• Medications
• Cell phone/laptop
• Infant or car seat
• Favourite toy/blanket
• A list of other items you can pick up later

• Establish a code word with the children to let them know you are in danger and to contact police immediately and protect themselves during a violent incident.
• Plan an escape route and avoid places where weapons such as knives or guns are kept.
• Have a small bag with essentials kept with a person you trust, away from your home.

If you are living with your abusive partner:

• Get your Emergency Escape Plan in order and review it often.
• Create a list of telephone numbers including local police, nearest women’s shelter, Assaulted Women’s Help Line, family members, friends, counsellors, children’s friends, etc.
• Make arrangements with friends or family so that you can stay with them if necessary.
• If you have call display on your phone, be careful about who can access stored numbers (such as the last number you dialled or received a call from).
• Consider a plan for the safety and wellbeing of your pet(s) such as making arrangements with friends or family.

If you are not living with your abusive partner:

• Instruct your family and friends not to tell anyone where you are or how to contact you.
• Change the locks on the doors, windows, garage and mailbox.
• Install a peephole in the door that your children can see through as well. If possible, install an alarm system.
• Keep doors and windows locked at all times.
• Have a pre-recorded anonymous message on your telephone answering service rather than your own voice and do not identify yourself by name.
• Carry a cell phone and a personal alarm.
• If your partner violates the protection order or is threatening you in any way, immediately call the police to report the violation.
• Make sure that the school, day care, and police have a copy of all court orders, including restraining orders, custody and access orders, as well as a picture of the abusive partner.
• Request the police to put a “premise history” on your address on file. This will provide additional information and security for officers responding to your call and alert them.
• Tell your neighbours that you would like them to call the police if they hear a fight or screaming in your home.

• Help your child(ren) understand their safety.
• Teach your children to tell you if someone is at the door and to not answer the door themselves.
• Show them how to get to a safe place.
• Teach your child(ren) how to use your cell phone.
• Teach your child(ren) how to use 911 and that it is important for children to leave the phone off the hook after they are done talking.
• Ensure that the children know their full name and address.
• Rehearse what your child(ren) will say when they call for help.
• Pick a safe place to meet your children.
• Tell people who take care of your children, including schools and daycares, which people have permission to pick up your children.
• Talk with your child(ren) about the risk of sharing personal information online.

• Tell your boss/colleague of your situation, ask that they refrain from giving anyone personal information about you, and show them a picture of your abuser.
• Use your voicemail to screen calls or request that calls from your (ex)partner are screened.
• Request that emails are blocked.
• Enter and leave work with a colleague.
• Let someone know when you’ll be home and when to expect you to arrive at work, and that you will call them when you have safely arrived.
• If you are walking, take a route that is populated and well-lit.
• Carry your car keys in your hand and be aware of your surroundings.
• If your partner is following you, drive to the police station.

• Create strong, safe passwords
• When using the computer, be aware that your abuser may track the websites you have visited. For information on hiding your tracks
• Do not share personal information.
• Block unwanted people from online social networking
• Take measures to avoid identity theft.