- Practice how to get out of your home safely;
- Have a bag packed ready;
- Make up a code word to use with your children, family, friends, and neighbours when you need the police;
- Always try to take your children with you or make arrangements to leave them with someone safe;
- Inform your children’s school or day care about who has permission to pick up your children;
- Open a savings account in your name to start to establish or increase your independence;
- Have copies of important documents (ex. Birth Certificates, Health cards for you and your children, SIN, immigration papers, or other legal papers such as custody papers) in a safety deposit box or with a friend;
- If you have pets, consider safety options for them;
- Look at options for safety – Women’s Shelter, a friend, family, neighbour, motel, etc.
- Know that you are not responsible for the abuse;
- Understand that the abuse and violence are not likely to stop without intervention.
- Talk to someone you trust about what is going on – secrecy gives abuse more power.
- Care for yourself – anything that you can do to enhance your physical or psychological health will assist you to get through the difficult times
- Spend time with healthy people. Even if they cannot help you directly
What if I am being abused?
Make sure you and your children are physically safe. Some safety tips to consider for your safety plan: