The following National Spousal Abuse FAQs are provided by the Legal Studies Program. Funded by the Department of Justice Canada. Warning: The contents of these FAQs are intended as general legal information only. If you have a personal problem, please consult a lawyer.
I am going to leave my partner because I cannot take the abuse anymore. I am terrified that my partner will try to stop me from leaving. How can I leave safely? If you are in immediate danger from physical harm you can always call the police and request attendance at your home. Some provinces in Canada (Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island and Alberta) have laws to protect against family violence and which enable you or the police on your behalf, to apply for an emergency protection order 24 hours a day.
If you under no immediate physical risk it is useful to make an safe escape plan. Things you can do include:
- consider where you will stay (friend, relative, safe house, shelter, another town or city)
- put some money away a little at a time in a safe place.
- move out some things a little at a time (e.g. clothing, credit cards)
- consider what you might take for your children (e.g. favourite toys or blankets, toothpaste, diapers)
- contact your local social services or welfare office to find out what benefits you might be entitled to.
- get legal advice about your situation or educate yourself about the legal issues that might affect you, e.g. custody, support, protection orders, restraining orders, property rights.
