Crisis/Support Line: 1-800-265-8076
TTY: 1-800-815-6419
Business Line: 519-426-8048
Direct Line: 519-428-4295
Fax: 519-426-8654
Email: hnws@hnws.on.ca

It is important to know that although you do not have control over your (ex)partner’s violence, it is possible to increase your own as well as your children’s safety when experiencing abuse. Creating a safety plan involves mapping out action steps to increase your safety and prepare in advance for the possibility of further violence. This information offers many support options and ideas which you may implement; however, don’t try to do everything right away. Take it a step at a time and start with the ideas which seem most workable for you.

In creating a safety plan it is important to remember that:

• Although you cannot control your (ex)partner’s violence, it may be possible to increase your own and your children’s safety
• A safety plan is needed whenever the potential for abuse is identified
• This safety plan information is specifically designed for actions that you can take to increase your safety and the safety of your children
• It is important to become familiar with and to review and/or revise your safety plan regularly. Abusive situations and risk factors can change quickly

Remember:

Many women have escaped and survived abusive situations. This information package was put together by women who have survived abuse and by shelter counsellors and other professionals. Please feel free to share with a counsellor at Haldimand & Norfolk Women’s Services, any changes or additions that you believe should be made to this safety plan.

It is important to know that although you do not have control over your (ex)partner’s violence, it is possible to increase your own as well as your children’s safety when experiencing abuse. Creating a safety plan involves mapping out action steps to increase your safety and prepare in advance for the possibility of further violence. This information offers many support options and ideas which you may implement; however, don’t try to do everything right away. Take it a step at a time and start with the ideas which seem most workable for you.

In creating a safety plan it is important to remember that:

• Although you cannot control your (ex)partner’s violence, it may be possible to increase your own and your children’s safety
• A safety plan is needed whenever the potential for abuse is identified
• This safety plan information is specifically designed for actions that you can take to increase your safety and the safety of your children
• It is important to become familiar with and to review and/or revise your safety plan regularly. Abusive situations and risk factors can change quickly

Remember:

Many women have escaped and survived abusive situations. This information package was put together by women who have survived abuse and by shelter counsellors and other professionals. Please feel free to share with a counsellor at Haldimand & Norfolk Women’s Services, any changes or additions that you believe should be made to this safety plan.

This plan was developed to help you in teaching your children some basic safety planning. It is based on the belief that the most important thing that children can do for their mothers and their families is to get away from the area of violence! They cannot stop the abuse, although they often try distracting the abuser or directly interfering in the abusive episode. It is important to tell your children that the best and most important thing for them to do is to keep themselves safe. Children who experience woman abuse can be profoundly affected. It is very traumatic for them to be faced with violence directed at them or someone they love. Personal safety and safety planning is extremely important and necessary for children whose families are experiencing violence. Children should learn ways to protect themselves. There are several strategies to help you develop a safety plan with your children

• Have your children identify a safe room/place in the house, preferably with a lock on the door and a telephone. The first step of any plan is for your children to get out of the room where the abuse is occurring
• Stress the importance of being safe, and that it is not their responsibility to make sure that you are safe
• Teach your children how to call for help (to contact the police). It is important that your children know that they should not use a telephone that is in view of the abuser. This puts them at risk.
• Ensure that your children know their address and full name (rural children need to know their 911 number)
• Rehearse what they will say. In the case of young children it should be simple, yet specific, i.e. “someone is hurting mommy.”
• It is important for your children to leave the telephone off the hook after they are done talking or best stay on the line and keep talking to the dispatcher. The police will call the number back if they hang up
• Teach your children about Neighbourhood Block Parents and how to use them (if they are available in your community)
• Teach your children the safest route to the planned place of safety for them
• Pick a safe place to meet your children out of the home after the situation is safe for you and them (so you can easily find each other)

Make your safety and your children’s safety your first priority. If you need to get out immediately without any of the suggested items, do so and a counsellor will assist you in retrieving from your home what you need in a safer manner (i.e.. Arranging police accompaniment).

SUGGESTED ITEMS TO TAKE WHEN LEAVING

(if you have time and it is safe for you and your children to plan prior to leaving.)

• Birth Certificates
• Health Insurance Number
• Health Card Numbers
• Passport and Citizenship Papers
• Medications
• Copies of Court Orders
• Financial information – pay stubs, bank account numbers and statements, information re: RRSP’s mutual funds, GIC’s, etc.
• Up to one-half of the money in a joint account can be withdrawn
• Monthly utility statements – hydro, gas, etc.
• Marriage Certificate / Divorce papers
• Last year’s income tax returns – both woman’s and partner’s
• Keys – house/car/office
• License plate number and description of abuser’s vehicle
• Deed to the home or rental agreement
• Credit cards
• Children’s report cards – in the event children change schools
• Photo of abuser
• Favourite children’s toys, clothing, blankets, books
• Personal items – clothing, photographs, special mementos which could be destroyed if you leave

*** It is advisable that woman dial another phone number after a call to the shelter. This will prevent the abuser from accessing the last number dialed.

*** Photocopies of these items can also be taken and originals can then be put back.