61 www.rnca.ca continued • What/who are the person’s community supports? • Does the person have information on counselling and other therapeutic or support services? • Is there a process to review and update the safety plan on a regular basis? • Has the person practiced giving precise information on where she or he is and if there is danger? • What are the person’s cultural or religious values about independence and the right to unrestricted movement? • Is the person willing to move to a safe place (shelter or transition house)? • What are the person’s experiences with the justice system and other service providers? • What is the person’s first language and country of origin? Is language a potential barrier to getting help? • What is the person’s legal status (refugee, landed immigrant)? • What is the person’s physical and health status? • If the person is living with a disability, are there physical barriers in the person’s environment that may prevent a safe exit or access to safety? • What challenges might affect the person’s safety or ability to follow through with a safety plan? This could include things such as substance abuse, mental health issues, or dementia. • Is the person comfortable with the safety plan and willing to live life within its constraints, at least in the short term? • Is the person aware of other potential risks, such as: • Cyberstalking on the internet? • Identity theft (credit cards, passport, other ID)? • Seeking help from people or organizations that have little experience with violence? Some Suggestions for Advance Safety Planning • Do not discuss any part of your safety plan with the perpetrator. • Avoid areas where weapons are in easy reach, such as in the kitchen or garage. • Pack a change of clothes, house and car keys, money and important papers. Hide them in a safe place that is easily accessed (for example, in a grocery bag near the front door, or with a neighbour or friend). • Open a savings or chequing account in your own name to increase your independence. If possible, open your account at a different bank than the one used by the perpetrator. • Keep a twotothreeday supply of medication on hand at all times. Important Items to Keep in a Safe Place if the Need to Leave Arises • Bank books; • Bank cards (credit cards, debit cards); • Cheque books; • Credit card numbers; • Birth certificate; • Passport; • Driver’s license and car registration; • Social Insurance Number; • Health card; • Medications; • List of medications; • Medical records; Safety Planning continued
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