Safety Planning

Safety planning is essentially a plan you set out in advance to avoid any violence for you, or a loved one in the future. It’s a means that will help you (and other loved ones, including children) escape a violent situation, if there is a need to leave swiftly. This may include having items and documents stored in a bag, hidden in a specific area of the house, so you and your loved one can grab it, and go. It can help an individual set out strategies and prepare to end a relationship that is abusive, when they are ready. A safety plan is personalized, meaning not each and every one of them looks the same.

One part of safety planning is to have a backpack, ready to grab in case you need to make a quick exit.

Some things to remember in to place in this pack, include:

* Some clothes for you and your loved ones that are leaving, and hygiene essentials.

* Important documents, like:

o Birth certificates

o Passports

o Immigration papers

o Social insurance numbers

o Health cards

* Create an extra set of house or car keys, that can be used for a quick exit, and place then in a secure area of the backpack; where you can easily grab them and go.

* Medications and prescriptions.

* If you have children, try to pack a special item or toy that may comfort them in the coming days.