I’m preparing to leave

If you ever feel that your safety or the safety of your children is in danger, take action and contact us or dial 911.

Identify people that you can trust and turn to if you need help. If you have children, tell them they can reach out to these people in an emergency.
Agree on a “code” with these trusted people that allows you to signal an emergency.
If you have children, come up with a plan together and decide on a “code or secret signal” that lets them know they must leave the house and contact a trusted person.
Identify the rooms in your home with doors that lock so you can take refuge if you need to.
Then identify the rooms that you can escape from if you feel threatened.
In secret, pack a bag of essential items for yourself and your children, if you have children. You can ask your trusted person to store this bag for you.
Delete your Internet browsing history.
Check and deactivate (where required) syncing between your devices and your children’s devices (cellphones, tablets, computers).
Reduce information sharing on your applications and social media.

Your first step should be to contact a safe house and draw up a safety plan tailored to your situation. Here are a few suggestions :

Once you’ve decided to leave the perpetrator of violence, don’t let them know.
We suggest that you don’t announce your departure to the perpetrator of violence in person. If you want to let them know, make sure that you’re not alone. Alternatively, choose a public and safe location such as a safe commercial area or the parking lot of a 24/7 store.
Turn off your location tracking.
Tell your trusted person that you’re leaving your home.
If you have to return to your home, ensure that you’re accompanied by police officers.

Birth certificates (yours and your children’s)
Identity documents (yours and your children’s): passports, health insurance cards, driver’s licences, social insurance cards.
Keys or duplicate keys (apartment/house, car).
Prescription medication (for you and your children).
Debit cards and credit cards.
Cash.
Enough clothes for a few days.
Cellphone, charger and cable.
Personal hygiene products (toothbrush, deodorant, sanitary towels).
Essential items for you and your children (cuddly toys, jewellery, tablets, etc.).
Important documents: residential lease, act of ownership, mortgage and investment documentation, will, DYP report, child custody arrangement, police reports, medical reports.
For your children: clothes, bottles, wet wipes, diapers, school supplies, favourite toys and books.