If you’re living with someone who is abusive, you may not feel safe—but you may also feel unable to leave. That’s okay.A safety plan is a powerful tool you can use to stay as safe as possible right now, while preparing for the future.

This guide walks you through practical safety planning while still inside the relationship.

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A safety plan is a personalized set of actions you can take to:

• Reduce your risk of harm
• Prepare for emergencies
• Plan for safe exits when you’re ready
• Protect yourself, your children, and your essentials

You don’t have to wait for things to get worse. Safety planning is a way to take back control—step by step.

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• Identify safe rooms in the home with exits (avoid kitchens or bathrooms)
• Memorize where doors, windows, and escape routes are
• Keep a spare set of keys hidden in a safe but accessible spot
• If possible, install door stoppers, motion lights, or silent alerts
• Store a packed bag in a trusted location (friend’s home, car trunk, or workplace)

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• Keep copies of:
  • ID (yours and your children’s)
  • Health cards and passports
  • Bank and legal documents
  • Restraining order or court documents (if applicable)
• Back up important info digitally (encrypted USB or secure cloud)
• Include essentials:
  • Medications
  • Cash or prepaid cards
  • Extra phone charger and contacts list
  • Clothing and hygiene supplies

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• Turn off location sharing (Find My iPhone, Google Maps, etc.)
• Use a secure email address your abuser doesn’t know
• Consider a secret phone if it’s safe to have one
• Avoid using shared devices or shared cloud accounts
• Use Incognito/Private mode when browsing for help

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• Teach kids a code word for when they need to hide or call for help
• Practice safe routes and who to go to (a neighbor, teacher, etc.)
• Pack a small bag for them with comfort items and essentials
• Let teachers, daycare staff, or trusted adults know (if safe to do so)

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• Make a list of safe places:
  • A trusted friend’s house
  • Local women’s shelter (addresses kept confidential)
  • 24/7 crisis lines or police stations
• Know the number to call for emergency transportation
• Arrange a signal or plan with someone you trust: “If I text [word], call help”

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• Pick at least one safe person who knows your situation
• Tell them what’s happening and what to do in an emergency
• You can also talk anonymously to:
  • Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 1-866-863-0511
  • 211 Ontario: For local shelter and support services
  • Barbra Schlifer Clinic: Legal and counselling help for survivors

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• ✅ Identify escape routes and safe areas
• ✅ Keep documents, cash, and essentials accessible
• ✅ Use a tech safety checklist
• ✅ Teach children emergency steps
• ✅ Know who to call and where to go
• ✅ You're not alone—support is out there, even now

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