Here to Help
WHAT TO TAKE
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- Up to one-half of the money in a joint account can be withdrawn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 women 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.