While you are still in the relationship:
1. Make a list of important telephone numbers. If your children are old enough for telephone privileges, give a copy to them. Include police numbers (or 911 if it’s available in your area), ambulance, fire, doctor, and your personal safety contacts - family, a neighbour, or a friend’s place that you can go to if you need it in an emergency.
2. Tell your friends, family, or neighbours what has been happening. Ask them to call police in case of emergency.
3. Make a list of places that you can safely go in case of emergency. If possible, have at least four people around you that you trust, and tell your children where they should go if they have to leave the home suddenly, or cannot come home.
4. Hide some extra money for an emergency somewhere you will be able to get it fast. Make an extra set of car keys. Pack an emergency bag to take with you. Make copies of your important documents and give them to a friend or family member.
5. Keep change for the phone or a phone card with you at all times. If you are able to, open your own bank account, and plan your escape route. Update your safety plan periodically.
6. If you leave and have more time to pack, make sure you take the following:
· identification
· birth certificates
· social insurance cards
· school and medical records
· money, bankbook, credit cards, bank cards
· house, car, and work keys
· driver’s license and registration
· medication
· change of clothes
· welfare id
· passport, work permit
· divorce papers
· lease/rental agreement, house deed
· mortgage payment info, current unpaid bills
· insurance papers
· address book
· pictures, jewelry and children’s favorite toys and blankets
If you stay in your home:
1. Change your locks. Install a security system. Make sure your smoke detectors work. Have at least one extinguisher. Have an outside lighting system.
2. Tell your neighbours that your partner is no longer in the home, and ask them to call police if they see him near your home or children.
3. Tell your childcare providers the names of people that are allowed to pick them up. Tell them if your partner is not allowed unsupervised visits.
4. Tell coworkers about your partner and ask them to screen your calls.
5. Try to avoid stores, banks, and other places that you used when you were with your partner.
6. Obtain a protective order against your partner. Keep it on or near you, and leave a copy with someone you trust.
7. Make sure you have a list of supportive contacts you can call if you feel unsure, depressed, or anxious. Join a support group. Try to build new, strong, and supportive relationships.
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
POLICE:____________________________
FIRE:_______________________________
AMBULANCE:________________________
POISON CONTROL:___________________
DOCTOR:
NAME:_________________________
PHONE:________________________
PEDIATRICIAN:
NAME:__________________________
PHONE:_________________________
SUPPORTIVE PEOPLE (FAMILY, FRIENDS, NEIGHBOURS)
THESE ARE THE PEOPLE I CAN CONTACT IN AN EMERGENCY:
1. NAME:__________________________
ADDRESS:_______________________
PHONE:_________________________
2. NAME:___________________________
ADDRESS:_______________________
PHONE:__________________________
3. NAME:____________________________
ADDRESS:________________________
PHONE:__________________________
4. NAME:____________________________
ADDRESS:________________________
PHONE:___________________________
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Are You In An Abusive Situation? A Quesionnaire
Myths About Abuse
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