• Having important phone numbers nearby for you and your children. Numbers to have are the police, hotlines, friends and the local shelter.

• Friends or neighbours you could tell about needing safety. Ask them to call the police if they hear angry or violent noises. If you have children, teach them how to dial 911.  Make up a code word that you can use when you need help.

• How to get out of your home safely. Practice ways to get out.

• Where the safe places are in your home, where there are exits and no weapons. If you feel abuse is going to happen try to get to one of these safe places.

• Any weapons in the house and ways that you could get them out of the house.

• Where you could go if you decide to leave and how you might leave.  Try doing things that get you out of the house – taking out the trash, walking the pet or going to the store.  Put together a bag of things you use every day.  Hide it where it is easy for you to get

• Review your safety plan often.

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Safety Planner

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If you consider leaving your abuser, think about…

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• Four places you could go if you leave your home.

• DO NOT tell your partner you are leaving, leave quickly.

• People who might help you if you left. Think about people who will keep emergency supplies for you.  Think about people who might lend you money.  Make plans for your pets.

• Having money for a cell phone or phone card.

• Opening a bank account or getting a credit card in your name.

• How you could take your children with you safely. There are times when taking your children with you may put all of your lives in danger.  You need to protect yourself to be able to protect your children.

• If you have pets arrange for someone to care for them temporarily, until you get settled. A shelter may help with this.

• Clearing your phone of the last number you called to avoid the abuser utilizing redial

• Changing your address with Canada Post – make arrangements for notice NOT to come to your present address.
   

Items to take if possible

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• ​Children (if it is safe)

• Cash & Credit Cards

• Keys to car, house, work

• Extra clothes

• Medicine

• Important papers for you and your children

• Birth Certificates

• Social Insurance Cards

• Picture ID

• Driver’s license

• Car registration

• Passports 

• Lease/rental agreement

• Mortgage agreement 

• Unpaid bills

• Insurance papers

• Personal Protection Order (PPO) documents, divorce papers, custody orders

• Address book

• Pictures, jewelry, things that mean a lot to you

• Items for your children (toys, blankets, soother, etc.)

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In some circumstances, arrangements can be made with the RCMP  to bring you back to the home later to get additional personal belongings.  Take the items listed above as well as anything else that is important to you or your children.

When you leave, take the children if you can.  If you try to get them later, the police cannot help you remove them from their other parent unless you have a valid court order signed and directed by a judge.