The following are signs that you are in an abusive relationship or are at risk.

Does your partner…

  • Get jealous when you are around other people
  • Embarrass you in front of your family or friends
  • Destroy or threaten to destroy your things
  • Make you choose between them and your family and/or friends
  • Put you down and/or blame you when things go wrong
  • Call you names and/or threaten to hurt you or your pet
  • Threaten to take the children or report you to child protection
  • Push you around or hit you

Do you feel…

  • Isolated from family and friends
  • Like you’re walking on eggshells
  • That you are responsible to make things right just for them
  • You have to do what they want….or else
  • That they are trying to run your life
  • Afraid of their reactions to anger
  • Afraid to say what you think
  • Afraid to end the relationship or leave

If you are at risk or are being abused…

Plan ahead

Think ahead about how to get to safety and stay safe. Depending on your circumstances the following statements may help you:

I have…

  • A plan to get out safely
  • A family member or friend I can stay with
  • A list of emergency numbers
  • Packed a bag with emergency items for me and the children, and stored the bag with a friend, relative, or neighbour for safety
  • Copies of important papers such as medical cards & birth certificates in a safe place such as with a friend
  • A spare house and car key in a safe place
  • A credit card and emergency cash in a safe place
  • A friend or family member that will pick me up if I ask
  • A place to leave pets or someone to check in on them
  • Asked neighbours or friends to call police if they hear a disturbance
  • An agreed warning signal like a codeword to let someone know I need help
  • Spoken to a lawyer about my situation. It is never too early to too late to find out what laws and agencies offer protection and help for you and your children.

You can get legal information from a legal service, victim’s services or women’s shelter on:

  • Peace bonds
  • Emergency protective orders
  • Custody and access
  • Child support
  • Exclusive possession of the home and property rights
  • Assault

After you leave…

If you separate from an abusive partner, often you may still need to to think about your safety and the safety of your children.

I have…

  • Secure locks on my doors and windows
  • Not given my partner a key
  • An unlisted phone number
  • Talked with the phone company about privacy settings and safety features
  • An answering machine that does not have my name or voice on it
  • Talked to my children about not answering the door or phone
  • Talked to my children about a safety plan
  • Talked to daycare or school staff about who is allowed to pick up my children
  • Let others know that I am no longer with my partner
  • Different routes I can take to work, pick up the kids and go shopping
  • Talked to a professional about my situation, like a women’s shelter, my employer, my lawyer and victim services.

PHONE NUMBERS

Emergency: 911

Non-emergency: (902)490-5020

Halifax Regional Police Victim Services: (902)490-5300

Bryony House Crisis Line: (902)422-7650

Legal Aid Family Law: (902)480-3450 or (902)420-2390

Transition House NS: 1 855 225 0220