Woman Abuse - Creating a Safety Plan

Well, a long time ago I promised to provide you with a Peel safety plan which I came to when I was working as an Intern at a Women Crises Centre. No men were allowed inside. I dealt mostly with new immigrants who were being abused by their husbands. In some of the countries they came from they were completely dominated by the culture. This is also brought here and some men will not permit their wives to be without them. Let me be clear. This is Canada and women are afforded the same rights as men. Also know that when you come into this country, if you want to leave your husband, you can. Women here, regardless if they are Canadian or not are subjected to physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse. I worked at the Crises Centre for a year which afforded me much learning. There is a lot of talk about fearing the police. Let me again be clear. Do not hesitate to call them if you need help. There are women shelters, support staff etc...to help you. Men too are abused but for this series I will be talking to women only since the plan was created for them. This package was compiled by women who have survived and offer their advise to you. The following is a list of items you should try to set aside and hide in a safe place (at a friend's place, or family member's home or with your lawyer (I will add that it never hurts to see a lawyer to check what your rights are. Laws change). 1. An emergency Escape Plan ::Take a photocopy of your passport, birth certificates, immigration papers for all family members, School and vaccination records, driver's license and registration, medications, prescriptions, medical records for all family members, welfare identification, work permits, divorce papers, custody documentation, court orders, restraining orders, marriage certificate. Open a bank account in your own name and arrange that no bank statements or other calls be made to you. Save and set aside as much money as you can - out of groceries if needed. Have enough money for a taxi or Uber. Plan your emergency exits. Plan and practice the steps you will take if you have to leave quickly. Hide extra clothing, house keys, car keys, money etc....at a friend's house you trust. Keep an emergency suitcase/bag handy or to pack quickly. Get a safety deposit box at a bank your partner doesn't use. The Police can bring you back to the home later to remove additional belongings. When you leave take the children if you can. If you try to get them later, the police cannot help you remove them from the other parent unless you have a valid court order. To be continued with 2. Creating a Safer Environment.