Safety Planning for Intimate Partner Violence


Leaving an abusive relationship or household can pose a risk to the victim’s safety. This page outlines safety tips for leaving abusive situations.

Each situation is different, and support is available. For more information about safety planning, contact the Windsor Police Special Victims Unit or Victim Assistance Unit (numbers below).


General Safety Tips

If possible, leave a bag of essentials with a trusted friend or family member, including:

  • Personal identification or photocopies (incl. birth certificate, SIN card, passport, citizenship papers, driver’s licence, and health card)
  • Important documents or photocopies (incl. marriage certificate, social assistance documents, court orders, and prescription records)
  • Debit / credit cards and cash
  • A photo of your abusive partner
  • A physical address book
  • A change of clothes
  • Belongings for your children

Additionally:

  • Teach your children how to phone 9-1-1, and ensure they know your address.
  • Any cellphone can call 911 (even if not connected to an active plan).
  • Keep copies of court orders and peace bonds with you at all times.


When Charges Are Laid or the Abuser Lives Elsewhere

At Your Residence:

  • Change locks. Deadbolts (and an additional hotel-style lock) are best.
  • Install a peephole, motion-activated lights, and video camera.
  • Trim back trees and bushes.
  • Ensure house numbers are easily visible from the street.
  • Change alarm and garage codes.
  • Secure exterior buildings (e.g. sheds) with padlocks.
  • Lock windows and secure the sliding track with a piece of wood.
  • Keep a cellphone close and maintain a landline (if possible).
  • Teach children not to open the door, and to alert you of all visitors.

Apartment Living:

  • Remove your name from the lobby directory
  • Ask for a well-lit or above-ground parking spot.
  • Do not use shared facilities (e.g. laundry) alone.
  • Show building security a photo of your abuser.

Workplaces, Neighbours, and Schools:

  • Notify your neighbours. Provide a photo of your abuser, ask them to notify you of anything suspicious, and phone police if they hear screaming.
  • Notify your workplace and children’s school, and request a formal safety plan.
  • Provide the school or babysitter with copies of court orders and peace bonds.


When the Abuser Stays in the Home

  • Recognize when risk is escalating. Leave home or call police before violence occurs.
  • Plan where to go if you leave. Ensure children know the best escape routes and exit plans.
  • Be aware of household items that can be used as weapons.
  • Avoid the kitchen, basement, and garage when possible.
  • Keep a bag of essentials ready (see General Safety Tips above).
  • Keep your purse / keys nearby, and your gas tank half-full.
  • Notify friends and family of the situation. Set a code word for when they should call police.
  • Give your children a code word for when to leave and get help. Plan where they should go ahead of time.


When You Are Out Walking

  • Keep your head up and stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Avoid walking alone, and stay in well-lit, high-traffic areas.
  • Take the safest route, not the quickest.
  • Walk facing oncoming traffic.
  • Keep your cellphone close, and know your location if you need to call police.
  • Run toward busy areas (not isolated ones) if attacked.


Safety Planning Contact Numbers

Contact the following numbers for support with safety planning:

For additional support, consult our resources page.