Submitted by RCMP
In a continued effort to promote November as Family Violence Prevention Month, this week the RCMP would like to discuss safety planning for victims. Once a family violence incident has been reported and police have responded accordingly, for continued safety the front line responder has a responsibility to consult with the victim(s) to identify different risk areas pertaining to the case.
Victim Services organizations are also trained to assist police with victims in regards to safety planning, and are extremely hands-on when it comes to follow-up and periodical updates if and when circumstances change.
Tips to consider when creating a safety plan are:
- · Identify who you can tell and discuss the problem with, and have ‘code words’ in place should you call on them in an emergency
- · Have an escape plan, rehearse this with the children (if applicable)
- · Open separate bank accounts, if possible
- · Hide money, spare change
- · Find places in the neighbourhood which are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- · If you must leave, take the children with you
- · Have a police escort if you fear violence and you need to return to your home
- · Make a Safety Pack (Identification, Immigration/work permits, health cards, birth certificates, copies of court documents)
Family Violence Information Line, phone toll-free in Alberta: 403-310-1818 Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.