It can be very difficult to leave a relationship when you're being abused. But whether you choose to stay or leave, your safety must come first. The police and court orders may be able to offer some protection, but there are limits as to what they can do. To help keep you and your loved ones safe, you need to have a safety plan.
What's a Safety Plan?
A safety plan can include:
- Telling neighbours or friends to call the police if they hear frightening or loud noises, or if they see anything suspicious
- Memorizing the telephone number of an agency that can help
- Thinking about where you can go if you decide to leave. (A place that's safe, like an emergency shelter)
- Putting money in a safe place, a little at a time, and cancelling joint credit cards once you've left
- Packing a suitcase for you and the children and leaving it with a friend
- Putting an extra set of keys for the car and the house in a safe, easily accessible place
- Getting legal advice about your situation
- Putting ID, passports and other important papers for you and your children in a safe place (If keeping original documents is a problem, call the legal aid office 780-644-7777 or toll free 1-866-845-3425 for help in getting certified photocopies)
You might want to ask someone you trust to help you with your safety plan. A resource worker at the Today Centre (780-455-6880) can also help you find the information you need and help put a plan in place.
Please remember: you will likely need to revise your safety plan as your life changes. If you move, have more children, become ill, or if the relationship becomes more abusive, your plan has to change too.
Where can I go?
If you need a safe place for you and your children to go, find the nearest Shelter by calling 1-866-331-3933 (toll free). Arrangements will be made for you and your children to stay at the shelter. Arrangements can also be made for your pets through the local S.P.C.A.
Please read the tabs "If you leave a violent relationship" and "What if you want to end the relationship" under Learn More for more information.
