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