Safety Planning

Guide and Tips to planning for your safety:

  • The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights is a set of principals that guides how victims of crime should be treated at different stages of the criminal justice process.

    a victim, according to this act , is defined as an individual who suffered physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss as the result of crime:

    The Right to Information

    The Right to Participation

    The Rights to Protection

    The Right to Restitution

    For more information on the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights you can search “Victims of Crime “ at www.canada.ca

  • Questions to ask yourself:

    Does the abuser change just before becoming violent?

    A differen look in the eyes?

    Posture changes (fists clenched, etc.)?

    Voice changes?

    Face changes expression or colour?

    Threatens verbally or non-verbally before striking you?

    What are other indications that your abuser may hurt you?

    ** Take note of the changes and make a plan to keep yourself safe **

  • Remember that individuals are often most at risk for violence immediately before and immediately after they leave an abusive relationship. it is very important to plan for your safety if you are considering leaving an abusive relationship.

    You do not have control over your partners violence, but you canapé out action steps to increase your safety and prepare in advance

  • Take a photocopy of these items/ store them in a safe place away from the originals:

    -Personal identification for all family members (birth certificates, drivers license, health card, passport, immigration papers, etc.)

    School and vaccination records

    Medications, prescriptions and medical records for all family members

    Drivers licence and registration

    Work permits

    Welfare identification

    Divorce papers, custody documentation, court orders, restraining order, marriage certificate, tax returns

    Lease/rental agreement, house deed, mortgage payment book

    Bank books/bank statements, credit cards, ATM cards and investment statements

    Insurance papers (life, home, car)

    Social insurance number

    Address /telephone book, any emergency numbers

    Picture of ex-partner/ abuser and children

    Try and keep your wallet and/or bag/ purse handy to have the following:

    Keys for your house , car, office, mailbox, garage, etc.

    Emergency cash

    Photographs of abuser

    Copies of court orders

    Driver’s license, registration, insurance

    Address/telephone book, emergency numbers

    Keep the following things set aside in an easily accessible place so that you can grab them quickly:

    Emergency suitcase with immediate needs

    Jewelry

    Children’s favourite toys and blankets

    Items of special sentimental values

  • Item description

For a safety planning template please visit: https://www.ementalhealth.ca/Canada/My-Safety-Plan/index.php?m=article&ID=50966&t=1679925886#printFormAnchor