Prioritizing Safety

Safety Planning

​myPlan Canada is a free app to help you with your safety and well-being if you have experienced abuse from a current or past spouse, partner, boy/girlfriend. It’s private, secure, personalized, & backed by research.

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Safety Check! If you think someone may be monitoring your devices, visit this website from a computer, tablet or smartphone that isn’t being monitored. Exit this website and delete it from your browser history. Please read about safe use of this app before accessing or downloading it.

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How to Plan for Your Safety if You're in an Abusive Relationship

 

It's crucial to create a safety plan to protect yourself and your children. Seek help from someone you trust or contact local services. Even if you're not planning to leave, a safety plan can help if abuse escalates. Be prepared to leave quickly if necessary. Take actions that are safe and appropriate for you and your children.

 

5 Steps to Create Your Safety Plan:

 

1. Research

 

• Consult family, friends, or professionals for help with planning

• Get legal advice about your rights

• Locate local services like shelters and financial aid

 

  2. Plan for Quick Departure or Safe Stay

 

If staying:

Inform a trusted person about the abuse

Assess your partner's past behavior to predict danger

Create and practice an escape plan with your children

Identify nearby safe places

Plan where to go and how to get there

Ask neighbors to call police if they hear abuse

Keep car fueled and backed into driveway

Hide emergency items (keys, phone, money) near escape route

List emergency contact numbers

Consider a panic button or emergency phone

Remove or hide weapons

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In an emergency:

Stay near exits during arguments

Avoid rooms with potential weapons or where you could be trapped

Seek medical attention and documentation for injuries

Protect your head and face if attacked

 

If planning to leave (non-emergency):

Contact a women's shelter for support

Consider involving the police

Gather important documents and personal items

Consult a lawyer and keep evidence of abuse

Arrange temporary pet care

Clear phone and computer history

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When leaving:

Request police escort or ask someone to accompany you

Don't inform your partner

Leave quickly

Have a backup plan

 

 After leaving:

Change locks and get an unlisted phone number

Block your number when calling out

Change passwords

Consider a restraining order

Inform police of any legal orders

Change service providers shared with ex-partner

Carry photos of abuser and children

Inform your workplace

Change routines your ex-partner knows

Seek accompaniment if feeling unsafe

Only return home with police escort

 

3. If You Have Children- Discuss with Your Children

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• Explain that abuse is never acceptable

• Assure them the abuse isn't their fault

• Teach them about safety and getting help

• Create and practice a safety plan

• Choose a safe hiding place in the house

• Agree on a code word for emergencies

• Teach them how to call for help

 

4. Gather Important Items

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• Government documents (birth certificates, IDs, etc.)

• Financial items (mortgage/lease info, cash, cards)

• Personal items (phone numbers, keys, medications, etc.)

• Consider storing copies with a trusted person or shelter

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5. Be Cautious with Computer Use

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• Use a computer outside your home

• Log out and clear browser history after use

• Never share passwords

• Be cautious with social media

• Learn how to clear browser history for different browsers

 

Remember, your safety is paramount. Adjust these steps as needed for your specific situation.

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https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence/plan-your-safety.html

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