Family & Community Support Services
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO
LIVE A LIFE FREE OF ABUSE IF YOU ARE LIVING IN A VIOLENT SITUATION:
Put away a little money every time that you are able to do so. At least enough money for a phone call. If you have a chance, have an extra key to a vehicle hidden in an accessible place.
Gather important papers, both your own and your child(ren)’s, birth certificates, social insurance numbers, Alberta Health Care, immunization records, passports, etc. Put these in a safe place, preferably outside your home, such as a safety deposit box or with a trusted friend.
Put together a suitcase of essential clothing, extra medication, etc. for your self and your children and store these in an easily accessible, safe place.
Keep a list of shelters and phone numbers and keep this list readily available, but hidden. If you are ready to leave, keep checking with them to see if there is space for you and your children.
Work out a code word that can be used on the phone with a trusted person.
Look at options of safe places such as a friend, neighbour, a relative, a motel, an emergency shelter. If you can, safely contact the people in advance to let them know you are coming, then they can watch for you and call for help if needed. Do not go to a friend’s or relative’s house if your partner is likely to try to find you there. This can be dangerous for those trying to assist you.
Whenever calling a shelter or other resources, phone the time or weather immediately afterwards so that your partner cannot press the redial button and find out who you’ve been speaking to.
If you have a support person that your partner is not aware of, keep that person’s name and address confidential.
COSTS & BENEFITS OF LEAVING VS STAYING
At some level, women weigh the relative costs and benefits for themselves. Usually this process is not organized or conscious.
Hope and caring for her partner are sometimes the most powerful factors keeping women in violent relationships. They do not want to end their relationships. They want the violence to STOP.
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Call YWCA Harbour House at 320-1881 for assistance & information. This Ad Funded by City of Lethbridge FCSS
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