This safety plan is for victims of domestic violence. Safety planning helps develop tools in advance of potentially dangerous situations.Choose only the suggestions listed here that make sense for your set of circumstances.
Whether or not you feel able to leave an abuser, there are things you can do to make yourself and your family safer.
Call the Family Violence Information Line at (780)310-1818 to speak with trained personnel who provide referrals and information for victims of domestic violence.
Safety when preparing to leave:
LEAVING CAN BE THE MOST DANGEROUS TIME!
- Have a safe place to stay. Make sure it is a place that can protect you and your children.
- Find out which services and shelters are available as options if you need them. www.acws.ca provides a list of all shelters in Alberta.
- Find someone you trust. Leave money, extra keys, copies of important documents and clothing with them in advance, so you can leave quickly, if necessary.
- Open a savings account. Put it in your name only, to increase your independence. - - Consider direct deposit from your paycheck or benefit check.
- Make plans for any pets that you have that you are unable to take and you cannot leave behind. If you have no place to leave your pets and this will prevent you from leaving, mention this to the shelter when you call and they may be able to assist with some accommodations.
- If any household bills are in your name (ie. Phone, gas, cable), cancel them after you leave.
- Change your email address, phone numbers, all PINS and passwords.
- Shred all discarded mail personal papers.
- Keep your shrubs/trees, trimmed outside your house.
Information and Safety
Strategies for Victims of Domestic Violence
- Make plans for any pets that you have that you are unable to take and you cannot leave behind. If you have no place to leave your pets and this will prevent you from leaving, mention this to the shelter when you call and they may be able to assist with some accommodations.
- If any household bills are in your name (ie. Phone, gas, cable), cancel them after you leave.
- Change your email address, phone numbers, all PINS and passwords.
- Shred all discarded mail personal papers.