VS Safety Planning

Tips to protect yourself and your children from an abusive partner

If you intend to leave:

• Report to police or lawyers as needed.
• Take pictures of any injuries you have received or damage to your belongings.
• Find a safe place to hide copies of important documents for you and your children, including identification, medical records, diaries and money.
• Know community resources available: Crisis lines (1.855.225.0220), transition houses, community centers, parent resource centers, etc.
• Teach your children, friends, and family a phrase or word that indicates that you need help. Have a plan for what they should do, especially children.
• Keep a copy of your commitments, peace bonds and probation orders with you at all times.
• Remove / block violent partner from social media.
• Turn off the GPS on all electronic devices.

If you left the relationship:

• Let your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and building managers help you. Inform them of the identity of the abusive partner and the restrictions that apply to contact with you or your children.
• Provide copies of custody or access orders to caregivers or school officials.
• Keep windows and doors locked.
• Keep track of any unwanted threats or contacts from the abusive partner.
• Take pictures where possible to provide evidence if the abusive partner is following you.
• Change the locks in your house. This step can be expensive but very useful.
• Buy motion alarms that can be placed on windows.
• Planning for the safety of victim services
• How your phone can help you:
• Familiarize yourself with the features of your phone that can help you - caller ID, * 67, * 69 and * 57.
• Caller ID - this service may be chargeable; however, it will let you know who is calling before you answer.
• 67 allows you to block your number for any call you make. This service is free.
• 69 allows you to check the number of the last person who called you (landline only). This service may be chargeable.
• * 57 will trace the last call to your number. You will not get the information, but it can be forwarded to the police by your telephone service provider.
• Make sure your cell phone is charged and with you (make sure the GPS is off).
• Tips, whether you stay or leave: Dial immediately
• 1-1-1 if you are in danger.
• Know how to recognize the warning signs of an attack and leave if you can. If you can not go out, go to a room with an outside door and try to avoid places with sharp corners, hard surfaces or objects that can be used as a weapon.
• Pay attention to what's around you when you're in public.
• Consider changing passwords frequently for social media, online banking, connecting to a computer, and so on.
• Delete browsing history on your computer.
• Be aware of resources that can provide you with services - parent resource centers, 24-hour crisis lines (1.855.225.0220), shelter outreach programs. See the Halifax Regional Police Victim Services brochure or call 211.
• Phone: 902.490.5300 | Text: 902.497.4709
• Email: victimservices@halifax.ca
• www.halifax.ca/fire-police/police/programs-services/victim-services-halifax