Preparing an Exit Plan
Preparing to leave an abusive relationship can be an incredibly challenging and courageous journey. It begins with acknowledging the severity of the situation and recognizing that safety and well-being are paramount. Gathering important documents such as identification, financial records, and any evidence of the abuse becomes crucial. The following list provides some of the most important documents and items to gather before taking that final step. During this delicate process, it is important to prepare for unforeseen circumstances that may be out of your control. Take it one step at a time, you can gradually empower yourself and forge a path towards a safer, happier future.
What to Take With You
Certain items must be gathered before you decide to leave.
These items should be secured and packed in an emergency bag.
○ Personal identification
○ Marriage and birth certificates (including your children)
○ Passports / visas (including your children)
○ Any legal documentation relating to the abuse
○ Medical records and prescriptions
○ Money, cards, and banking documents pertaining to yourself
○ Keys for house, car and place of work (create duplicates if needed)
○ Driver's licence and car registration documents
○ Insurance documents
○ Items of sentimental value
Plan for an Emergency
Below are some important suggestions to prepare for scenarios that are out of your control. These actions may increase your own and your children's safety during the process of leaving. Only share your plans with people you can trust.
○ Be prepared to leave the house in an emergency.
○ Keep a small amount of money on you at all times for travel or change for a pay phone.
○ Call trusted friends or neighbours where you could go in an emergency. Tell them what is going on and ask them to call the police if they hear sounds of a violent attack.
○ Rehearse an escape plan so in an emergency you and the children can get away safely.
○ Pack an emergency bag for you and your children and hide it somewhere safe (for example, at a neighbour's or friend's house). Try to avoid mutual friends or family. Know where the nearest phone is, and if you have a cell phone, try to keep it with you, or hide a spare cell somewhere safe.
○ If you suspect that your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower risk area of the house – somewhere with a way out and access to a phone.
○ Avoid the kitchen or garage where there are likely to be knives or other weapons; and avoid rooms where you might be trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.