YOU NEVER HURT

THE ONE'S YOU LOVE

MY PERSONAL SAFETY PLAN

When you have been abused it is sometimes difficult to make plans for the future. These safety tips will help focus on staying safe and developing a happy future.  Because violence almost always increases in both frequency and severity, safety should be an immediate concern. Talk to a Transition House Staff anytime 24/7 or Other Domestic Violence Advocates about additional Safety planning to meet the needs of your particular situation

DURING AN INCIDENT

Use your judgment.

Try to calm the situation so you can escape.

If you decide to leave how will you get out?

Keep your purse nearby, so you can get it on your way out

Teach your children the safety plan

Think about one or two trusted friends or relatives you can tell about the abuse

PREPARING TO LEAVE

Leave money and extra car keys and house keys with a family member or friend

Keep copies of important documents at a family member or friend

Open a saving account in your own name

Keep a small bag of clothes packed and hidden

Decide where you will go if you must leave in the middle of the night

Learn about your local resources

Keep reviewing your safety plan

Rehearse your escape plan

KEEPING YOUR HOUSE SAFE

Change the locks

Install alarms

Add window bars

Install outside lights

Tell friends and neighbors the abuser no longer lives in the residence. If they see them around ask them to phone police

CHILDREN’S SAFETY PLAN

Decide on a safe room for children s in the event, partner becomes abusive

Teach children an escape route

Let Children know where the cordless or cell phone is located

Teach children phone numbers (etc 911)

Decide with your children on a code word, that will let them know to go and get help

Let children know whose house they can run to.

KEEPING SAFE AT WORK

Make your boss and/or co-workers aware of the situation

Show them any protection orders

Show them a picture of the abuser and tell your boss and/or co-workers not to give out any information (schedule, phone numbers, where you are at)

Ask your boss and co-workers to phone police if they see abuser.

Plan an escape route from your workplace

STAYING SAFE IN THE COMMUNITY

Notify children’s school of legal documentation (custody order, EPO, undertaking etc.)

Change your routine (etc, banking, groceries, shopping etc.)

Only go out during busy times

Try not to be alone

Have someone walk you to and from your car at night

Carry a whistle, small can of hair spray and/or a cell phone

Let someone know where you are going and call them when you return

IMPORTANT THINGS TO STORE AWAY

Cash (ATM card, cheque book, credit cards)

Keys (home, car, office)

Personal Identification

Birth Certificates yours and your children’s

Social Insurance Number yours and your children’s

Medical records yours and your children’s

Mortgage records

Insurance Information

Legal Documents (custody papers, undertaking, EPO etc)

Memorable items yours and your children’s

IMPORTANT PHONE MUMBERS:

EMERGENCY 911

Cape Breton Transition House

539-2945 or 1-800-563-2945.

Domestic Violence Case Coordination Program

565-5173 or 563-9009