Safety & Planning
It’s important to make a plan to keep you and your children safe. Shelters near you can help.
A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that includes ways to support your safety while in a relationship, during planning to leave, or after you have left. It needs to change as your circumstances change.
Women’s shelters' safety plan with survivors, friends, family members, and anyone who is concerned about their own safety or the safety of someone else.
How to Call for Help Safely
If you’re thinking about leaving an abusive partner, know that they may sense a change and could become more controlling or suspicious. Be cautious when making phone calls and take steps to avoid leaving a trace.
-
Cell phones and internet-based phones (like Skype or VOIP services) usually keep a detailed call history.
-
Landlines (traditional phone lines) may be safer for local calls, as these calls typically don’t appear on phone bills. Still, be aware of features like “redial”; your partner could press it to see who you last called.
-
To check if you have a regular landline, review your phone bill—it should be from a provider like Bell or Rogers and will not display local numbers, only long-distance ones.
For maximum safety, use a public phone, a trusted friend’s phone, a work phone, or any line your partner doesn’t have access to.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Cover Your Tracks Online
What is the “Quick Exit” button?
Clicking the Quick Exit button will immediately take you away from this site—use it if you’re in a public space or worried that someone may see what you’re viewing. It’s a fast way to protect your privacy.
Stay Safe While Gathering Information
Looking for help is a brave and important step. But if an abusive partner finds out you’re learning about domestic violence, accessing support, or planning to leave, their behaviour may escalate. Protect yourself by following these safety tips:
-
Avoid bookmarking this website. Instead, write down the web address and hide it somewhere safe, or try to memorize it.
-
Be discreet with notes or links. If you write the address down, do so in a way that won’t raise suspicion.
-
Clear your browser history regularly. Websites you visit are often stored on your computer. Each browser is different, but most will allow you to delete your history under “Settings” or “History.”
-
Use a trusted device whenever possible. If you can, use a friend’s phone, a library computer, or another device your partner doesn’t monitor.
Your safety is the top priority. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
