POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 71 How to help someone who has an abusive partner continued Signs of a high risk of danger The danger may be greater if the abusive partner: • has access to the children • has access to weapons • has a history of hurting people • has threatened to harm or kill their partner if they leave • threatens to harm the other partner’s children, pets, or property • threatens to kill themself • chokes/strangles the other partner • is jealous about the other partner • watches the other partner closely, listens to their telephone conversations, reads their emails, or follows them • has trouble keeping a job • takes drugs or drinks every day • has no respect for the law. Situations that increase the chance of serious harm It is more dangerous if: • the couple have just separated, or if one partner is planning to leave • they are fighting over parenting time or access to the children, or one has children from another relationship • the abused partner fears for their life and their children’s safety • the person experiencing abuse cannot see that their situation may be dangerous • one partner is involved in another relationship • the abused partner has no access to a phone or money • one partner does not speak English, or is not yet a legal resident of Canada • they live in a remote area • the abused partner has no friends or family nearby. Some people are at higher risk for violence and abuse due to discrimination and other barriers. This includes women under 25, women with a disability, Indigenous women, Black women, immigrant women, and trans and nonbinary people. Ways to help Talk to them about what you see and tell them that you are concerned, and: • If they talk about their partner’s violence, tell them you believe them, and that it is not their fault. • Encourage them not to confront their partner if they are planning to leave. Tell them how a safety plan can help. • Offer to look after their children while they get help. • Encourage them to pack a small bag with important items, and keep it stored at your home in case they need it. • Call the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia Support Line any time of day, any day of the week. In an emergency, call 911. continued
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