Making the decision to leave an abusive situation is an act of immense courage. If you are reading this because you are leaving tonight, know that you are taking a brave and powerful step towards safety.

This checklist is designed to help you quickly and quietly pack a 24-hour emergency "go-bag" with the most essential items you will need when heading to a shelter in Toronto.

This list is just a guide. If you do not have time to pack these things, just leave. Your personal safety, and the safety of your children, is more important than any item on this list. Do not risk being discovered or harmed while trying to pack a bag. Shelters can help you replace many of these things later.

Pack these items in a discreet bag, like a backpack or gym bag. If you have time, you may have already hidden this bag somewhere safe.

These are the hardest items to replace. Take photos of them on your phone as a backup if you can.

• [ ] Personal ID: Your driver's license, passport, birth certificate, Permanent Resident (PR) card, or Certificate of Indian Status.

• [ ] Children's ID: Their birth certificates, passports, immigration papers.

• [ ] Health Cards: Your OHIP card and your children's cards.

• [ ] Keys: House keys, car keys, work keys, P.O. Box keys.

• [ ] Financial: Bank cards (debit/credit), and a small amount of cash if possible.

• [ ] Legal Papers: Any restraining orders, peace bonds, or child custody orders that are already in place.

• [ ] Cash: Enough for a TTC fare, a taxi/Uber, or to buy a coffee or snack.

• [ ] Phone & Charger: If you have a secure phone the abuser cannot track, take it. If not, a cheap prepaid "burner" phone is a good option.

• [ ] Written List of Numbers: A small piece of paper with phone numbers for family, friends, and support services in case your phone battery dies.

• [ ] Prescription Medications: For yourself and your children. Try to have at least a few days' supply in the original bottles.

• [ ] Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Include solution and a case.

• [ ] Basic Pain Relievers: Such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Leaving is incredibly stressful for children. A small comfort item can make a world of difference.

• [ ] Comfort Item: A small, favourite toy, book, or blanket.

• [ ] Spare Clothes: One extra outfit.

• [ ] Essentials for Infants: Diapers, wipes, and formula or baby food for at least 24 hours.

These are helpful but are the lowest priority. Toronto shelters will provide basic toiletries.

• [ ] A Change of Clothes: Something comfortable like a t-shirt and sweatpants.

• [ ] Basic Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, essential sanitary products.

• [ ] Irreplaceable Sentimental Item: A small piece of jewelry or a single photograph that you cannot bear to lose.

When you are ready to leave, you do not have to do this alone. The central access point for many women's shelters in the Greater Toronto Area is the Assaulted Women's Helpline. They will assess your situation and connect you with an available, safe shelter space.

Assaulted Women's Helpline (AWHL):

• Toll-Free: 1-866-863-0511

• GTA: 416-863-0511

• TTY: 1-866-863-7868

• Website: awhl.org

You have taken the hardest step. Help is available right now. Please call.

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Leaving an abusive partner is the most dangerous time for a survivor. Having a go-bag prepared allows you to leave quickly and discreetly in a moment of crisis without having to search for critical items, which could alert your abuser and put you in greater danger.

Your identification and your children's identification are the most critical items. Documents like your OHIP card, driver's license, PR card, and birth certificates are extremely difficult to replace and are essential for accessing services like shelters, social assistance, and healthcare.

If you suspect your phone is being monitored, do not use it for safety planning. A safer option is to purchase an inexpensive prepaid phone (a "burner" phone) and a top-up card with cash. Keep this phone hidden with your go-bag for emergency use only.

Your life is more important than any item. If you have a chance to leave safely, you must take it, even if it means leaving everything behind. Toronto shelters and support services understand this and can help you replace essential items and documents once you are safe.

Hide your go-bag in a place your abuser would never look. Some people leave it with a trusted friend, neighbour, or colleague. Others hide it in their car, at their workplace, or in a storage locker. Choose a location that you can get to quickly and safely.

If it is not safe to take original documents, try to make photocopies or take pictures of them with your secure phone. Having a copy is better than nothing. Once you are safe, legal clinics and support services can help you with the process of replacing official documents.