STEP 1: What You Can Do Before a Violent Incident

The PDF version of Safety Planning contains all 8 steps  (224KB)

Prepare your Checklist.

If you believe your partner may be violent, there are a number of things you can think about in advance. Abusive partners often strike back when they believe the woman is leaving the relationship. You can prepare to leave by doing some of the following things:

Keep this Safety Kit where you can get to it quickly and easily and where your partner will not find it (at the home of a friend, with a support worker or hidden). In it, you will keep the checklist for your safety plan.

You can keep your purse, wallet, personal identification, keys and other emergency items somewhere handy in case you have to leave suddenly.

You can open a separate bank account in your name and request that statements be sent to a different address so that your abuser doesn’t see them. If your abuser knows your account or PIN number, you can change it.

You can locate a women’s shelter or check with friends or family to see who would be able to let you stay with them or lend you some money.

You can teach your children the number of the RCMP and other emergency numbers such as a friend or someone you trust.

You can rehearse your escape plan and, as appropriate, practice it with your children. Review the plan regularly.

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