Emergency Escape Plan

The “Emergency Escape Plan” focuses on the things you can do in advance to be prepared in case you have to leave an abusive situation quickly. Below is a detailed list. It is provided here as well as a pdf that you can download and print out to take with you as you gather your items.

Try to set aside these items and hide in a safe place, maybe the home of a friend or family member, your lawyer, or a safety deposit box. Take a photocopy of the following items and store in a safe place away from the originals. Hide the originals someplace else if you can.

• passports

• birth certificates

• immigration papers, for all family members

• school and vaccination records

• drivers license and registration

• medications, prescriptions, medical records for all family members

• Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support identification

• work permits

• all cards you normally use (visa, phone, social insurance, banking cards)

• divorce papers, custody documentation, court orders, restraining orders, marriage certificate

• lease/rental agreement, house deed, mortgage payment book

• bank books

• insurance papers

• picture of spouse/partner

• health cards for yourself and family members

Try to keep all the cards you normally use in your wallet.

• social insurance cards

• charge cards

• phone card

• banking cards

• health cards

• drug cards

Try to keep your wallet and purse handy and containing the following:

• car/house/office keys

• checkbook, bankbooks, statements

• drivers license, registration, insurance

• address/telephone book

• picture of spouse/partner

• emergency money in cash hidden away

Keep the following items handy and set aside so you can grab them quickly:

1. emergency suitcase with immediate needs

2. special toys, comforts for children

3. jewelry

4. small saleable objects

5. items of special sentimental value

6. a list of other items you would like to take if you get a chance to come back to your home later

   Next Steps

1. Open a bank account in your own name and arrange that no statements or correspondence be mailed to you. Or you can arrange mail to be sent to a friend or family member.

2. Save and set aside as much money as you can – out of groceries if necessary.

3. Set aside $10-$15 for a cab fare in a place you can get to easily. Put quarters or a phone card in the same place.

4. Plan your emergency exits.

5. Plan and rehearse the steps you will take if you should need to leave quickly and learn them as well.

6. Hide extra clothing, house keys, car key, money, etc., at a friends house.

7. Keep an emergency suitcase packed or on hand and ready to pack quickly.

8. Consider getting a safety deposit box at a bank which your partner does not use.

The police will escort you back to the home later to remove additional personal belongings, if it is arranged through the local division. Take the items listed above as well as anything else that is important to you or your children. When you leave, take the children if you can. If you try to get them later, the police cannot help you remove them from their other parent unless you have a valid court order.