Central-WestCommittee Against Violence Inc.

| Home | Activities | Tributes to Victims | Facts on Violence | Safety Plan | Presentations |
| Information and Services |


Saftey Plan for Women
 

WARNING: Abusers try to control their victim’s lives and they often feel a loss of control when the victim attempts to leave them.  Take special care when you leave an abuser and continue being careful even after you have left because the abuse often escalates and becomes very unpredictable.

Your safety is the most important thing. Listed below are tips to help keep you safe and assist you in working out a safety plan that would work for you. It is important to get help with your safety plan from one of the resources you have. 
|
If you are in an abusive relationship:
  • Have important phone numbers nearby including: police, hotlines, friends, and the local shelter. If you have children, discuss a
          safety plan with them and teach them how to dial     emergency numbers.
  • Ask friends or neighbours to call the police if they hear angry or violent noises.
  • Practice ways to get out of your home safely; identify which doors and windows would be best exits.
  • If you have a vehicle, ensure that you always have gas and that your vehicle is in good working condition.
  • If you feel abuse is going to happen, avoid areas such as the kitchen and bathroom where items may be used as weapons.
  • Identify any weapons in the house and ways that you could get them out of the house.
  • Think of safe place you can go and ways to get out of the house; for example, taking out the trash, walking the pet,
          or going to the store.
  • Put together a bag of things you use every day (see attached checklist). Hide it where it is easy for you to get.
  • Use your own instincts and judgement. If the situation is very dangerous, consider giving the abuser what he wants to calm him.
          You have the right to protect yourself.

    When preparing to leave:
  • Keep money, keys, important documents, medication, etc. in a safe spot so you can grab a bag and leave. You might want to leave
         this bag at a trusted friend’s or neighbour’s place.
  • Open a savings account and/or credit card in your own name to establish or increase your independence. Think of other ways
          to increase your independence.
  • Plan where to go and practice how you would leave. Consider people who might help you, if you left; for example, people who will
          keep a bag for you or who will lend you money.
  • Keep change for phone calls or get a cell phone.
  • Plan how to take your children with you safely. There are times when taking your children with you may put all of your lives
         in danger. You need to protect yourself to be able to protect your children.
  • Review your safety plan as often as possible to plan the safest way to leave.  Remember: leaving can be the most dangerous time!
    •  

    After you have left your abuser
  • Think about your safety – you still need to.
  • Get a restraining order from the court. Keep a copy with you at all times.
  • Give a copy to the police, people who take care of your children and your boss.
  • Consider installing stronger locks and doors, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a security system, and outside lights.
  • Tell friends and neighbours that your abuser no longer lives with you. Ask them to call the police if they see your abuser near
          your home or your children.
  • Tell people who take care of your children the names of the people who are allowed to pick them up.
  • If possible, avoid places that you went when you were with your abuser
  • If you absolutely must speak with your abuser.... do so in a public place.


    • If you’re thinking about returning to the abuser, discuss an alternative plan with someone you trust
  • Have positive thoughts about yourself and be clear with others about your needs.
  • Read books, articles, and poems to help you feel stronger.
  • Decide whom you can talk to freely and openly to give you the support you need.
  • Attend a woman or victim’s support group for at least a few weeks to gain support from others and learn more about yourself
         and the relationship.

          Safety at work
  • Think about and practice a safety plan for your workplace. Tell your boss and co-workers of your situation.
  • If you have a restraining order, consider providing your boss with a copy of it and a picture of the abuser.
  • Ask someone to help screen your telephone calls at work. You can also use voicemail to screen calls.
  • Block unwanted e-mails so you don’t have to read them.
    • Asking someone to walk you to your car/the bus/the train to ensure your
         safety, when leaving work. If possible, use a variety of routes to go home.

         Items to take, if possible
    £      Driver’s license
    £              Birth certificates – yours and your   children’s  
    £              Social Insurance card
    £              Restraining order
    £              Divorce papers
    £              Custody papers
    £              Lease, rental agreement, or house deed
    £              Car registration and insurance
    £              Health and life insurance papers
    £              Medical records for you and your children
    £              Passport
    £              Money and/or credit cards    		 £      Bank books
    £              Cheque books
    £              Keys to house, car, and work
    £              Medications
    £              Address book
    £              Phone card
    £              Pictures of you, your children, and the abuser   
    £              Children’s small toys, blankets, etc
    £              Toiletries, diapers
    £              Extra clothes for you and the children
    £              Small saleable items
    £              Jewellery

     

     

    Review your safety plan often and always remember:

     YOU DON’T DESERVE TO BE HIT OR THREATENED!

     

    Click here for resources for help

    Top of Page
     

    Central-West Committee Against Violence    5 Hardy Avenue    Grand Falls-Windsor, NL    A2A 1P8 
    Tel: 1- 709-489-8828     Fax: 1- 709-489-8620    E-mail: CAV@nfld.net