Leaving an abusive partner is incredibly brave—but it can also be the most dangerous moment in the relationship. Careful safety planning can help you protect yourself, your children, and your future.

Whether you’re preparing in secret or looking for last-minute guidance, here’s what to think through before you go.

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Pack or copy important items (physical or digital):

• Government ID (yours and your children’s)
• Birth certificates
• Passports and health cards
• Financial records (banking, credit, pay stubs)
• Lease, property papers, or mortgage info
• Court orders, custody papers, or restraining orders
• Immigration documents (PR card, work permit, etc.)

Tip: Keep them in a secure location (e.g., with a friend, in a locker, or encrypted on a USB stick)

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Prepare a bag you can grab quickly if you need to leave fast:

• Cash or prepaid debit cards
• Medications (minimum 1–2 weeks’ supply)
• Spare keys (home, car, storage unit)
• Clothing and hygiene products
• Cell phone + charger or battery pack
• Comfort items for children (stuffed toy, blanket, book)
• Emergency contact list on paper (in case phone is lost)

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• Contact a women’s shelter in advance (they can help you plan safely)
• Choose a few people you trust—someone who won’t tell your abuser
• Avoid places your partner knows or could guess (e.g., a relative’s house)
• Know where the nearest hospital or police station is in case of emergency
• Keep transportation options flexible (car, ride, shelter transport)

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• Tell one trusted person what’s happening
• Give them a code word in case you need them to call for help
• Ask them to check in on you discreetly and regularly
• Ask if they can store your bag or important items

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• Disable shared GPS/location tracking (Google, Apple, Facebook)
• Sign out of cloud accounts on devices your partner could access
• Set up new, secure passwords for all accounts
• Get a new phone or SIM card, if safe to do so
• Avoid using shared devices to research shelters or legal aid

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• Pack birth certificates, medical info, and custody documents
• Arrange emergency daycare or school pickup plans
• Practice safe exit strategies and explain what to do if things escalate
• Some shelters accept children—check in advance

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• Contact Legal Aid Ontario: 1-800-668-8258
• Call the Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 1-866-863-0511
• Speak to a family lawyer, even briefly—many offer free consults
• Seek counselling or peer support from a DV organization
• Don’t wait until you’re “ready”—you deserve help now

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• ✅ Pack documents, cash, and clothes in a hidden go-bag
• ✅ Arrange where you’ll go and who you can trust
• ✅ Protect yourself online and stay aware of tracking
• ✅ Prep children’s essentials and paperwork
• ✅ Contact shelters, legal aid, and DV services as early as possible

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• Assaulted Women’s Helpline (24/7): 1-866-863-0511
• ShelterSafe.ca: Find emergency shelters in your area
• Luke’s Place: Legal help for women leaving abuse
• Barbra Schlifer Clinic: Legal and counselling services in Ontario
• 211 Ontario: For local supports, including housing and transportation

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