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Make a Safety Plan
If you are living in a violent relationship, it is important to plan what you will do to keep yourself and your children safe. Victim Services and Family Violence Prevention Services can help you develop a plan tailored to your situation.
Understanding the Cycle of Violence
You probably know that there can be a cycle to the violence. In some relationships, things may be calm for a while and then the tension and anger build up. Family members may feel they are “walking on egg shells”. An argument may start, and your partner may “explode” and become threatening or violent. This can be a very dangerous time.
Keep an Emergency Escape Kit
In case you have to leave quickly, pack an emergency suitcase with necessities like glasses and medications. Keep this kit in a safe place accessible at any time—such as with a trusted friend, family member, lawyer, or in a safety deposit box.
Determine your safe place
Pre-plan a safe place to go with friends or family where the abuser won't find you and you will be protected.
Your kit should include important items and papers for you and your children:
- Extra set of keys and cash
- Court documents, legal rulings
- Driver's licence and vehicle registration
- Health cards, medical and vaccination records
- Birth certificates, passports, immigration papers
- Indian status cards
- Deed/mortgage/lease papers
- Car, life and home insurance papers
- Cheque book, bank/credit cards, bank records
- Social assistance records
- Social insurance cards
- Marriage/divorce/separation papers
- Photo of abuser and proof of abuse (photos, notes, journals)
- Police contact information & badge numbers
- Contact list for friends, family, lawyer, vet/shelter