Safety Planning

Are you being abused and planning to leave?

• Do not tell your partner that you’re thinking of leaving.
• When you do leave, take your children with you.
• Plan your emergency exits.
• Save as much cash as you can.
• Keep emergency phone numbers with you at all times.
• Set aside money for a taxi and coins or phone cards for payphones.
• Take valuable documents: passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, immigration papers, health cards, SIN cards, bank books and bank cards.
• Legal documents: divorce papers, order of protection orders, restraining orders, custody papers
• Take any prescription medications for you and your children.
• If possible, bring documents that prove you have been living at the same address as your partner.
• Lease or rental agreement, house deed, mortgage payment book
• Jewelry or small things you can sell
• Address book
• Open a bank account in your name or in the name of a person you trust. Make sure bank statements are not mailed to your home.
• Hide extra clothing, house keys, car keys, money etc. at a trusted friend’s house.
• Have an emergency suitcase packed, if possible.
• Include some special toys and comforts for your children.
• Irreplaceable items and sentimental items such as photographs.

Leaving the Home:

• Where is the Abuser? Inside the home or outside the home?
• Where are the Children? Inside the home or outside the home? If outside the home, what are the pick up arrangements?
• Identify which doors, windows, elevator or stairs would be safe and easily accessible.
• Have a packed bag ready. Keep it in an accessible place in order to leave quickly.
• Transportation: Do you have a car, is there gas in the car? Are you taking a bus? Do you have bus fare or will you take a taxi?
• If it is unsafe to wait for a taxi in your home are you able to go to a neighbors’ house or a close public area such as a coffee shop to wait for a taxi
• If the situation is very dangerous use your own instincts and judgment to keep yourself safe.