POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 65 continued Safety Planning continued If you’re planning to leave Do not tell your partner you are thinking about leaving. This can be a very dangerous period when abuse can become worse. • Tell the police or a local transition house that you plan to leave your abusive partner. Ask them to help you make a safety plan. Ask to speak to an officer who understands domestic violence (information shared may result in charges being laid by police against the abuser). • If you do not identify as a woman, call 211 to help you find a safe place to go. • If you are injured, go to a doctor or an emergency room and tell them what happened to you. Ask them to document your visit. • Gather important papers: identification, bank cards, financial papers related to family assets, last Canada income tax return, keys, medication, pictures of the abuser and your children, passports, health cards, your address or telephone book, cell phone, and legal papers like immigration papers, the deed or lease to your home, emergency protection orders (EPOs) or peace bonds. • If you’re worried your partner will destroy these documents, make copies and leave them with someone you trust. • Talk with a lawyer. Keep any proof that your partner hurt you, such as photos. Keep a journal of each time they hurt you, with the date, what happened, any threats and names of witnesses, and leave it with someone you trust. • Gather pictures, jewellery, and objects of sentimental value, as well as toys and comforts for your children so you can find them quickly if you leave. • Ask someone to care for your pets while you get settled. A transition house may be able to help with this. • Clear your phone of the last number you called. You don’t want your partner to use redial to find out who you are talking with. When leaving • Ask police or a friend, neighbour or family member to be with you when you leave. • Call a local transition house for people facing abuse. It may be safer going to a place your partner knows. You can just stay there for a short time if that helps. • Leave quickly. • Have a backup plan in case your partner finds out where you are going. After leaving • Visit the closest police station and ask to speak to an officer who understands domestic violence. • Think about applying for a peace bond that may help keep your partner away from you and your children. Keep it with you at all times. • Give police a copy of any legal orders you have. • Ask a lawyer or legal aid clinic about how you can protect yourself or your children. Tell your lawyer about any times you have gone to criminal court. • Think about changing any service provider that you share with your expartner. This includes your cell phone company.
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