Are you worried about your partner hurting you, themselves, or your children, if you were to leave your abusive relationship?
This is a very rational fear to have, as leaving an abusive relationship is the most volatile and dangerous time. But you have strength, resilience, and reason to seek a better life. We want to help you get through this.
Besides the tips you will find on the main page of “IPV: Time to Leave”, consider some of these general tips to stay safe, after you leave a violence relationship:
Things to Consider
Read more...- Have 1 or 2 loved ones who always know your plans, and keep them up to date.
- Change your passwords on all emails and social media accounts. Make sure you log out of your accounts every time you’re done. Change your phone password too.
- Change up your daily routines, the routes you drive to/from work, and reschedule any upcoming appointments your partner may be aware of.
- If you can’t invest in a security system, consider motion detection lights.
- Make sure your GPS location is off on your phone, especially for apps like SnapChat that can show your exact location.
- Notify the school/ care provider about proper protocols for allowing the children to leave the school.
- Notify your boss so they can support you, avail of an Employee Assistance Program, or to be on alert if you are absent without communication.
- Is your partner threatening to hurt themselves or end their life? We know how difficult hearing those threats can be, but remember that it’s a form of abuse to you as well.
The choice to live or die is solely on your partner; you do not have influence over their decision. You can care for them but stick with your boundaries. Ask the police to do a wellness check, but prioritize YOUR safety and do not do the wellness check yourself.
Helpful Local Organizations / Programs
Consider the organizations below, or call us to discuss your particular circumstance for more specific direction.
Access to Justice NL – The Canadian Bar Association
This clinic offers summary legal advice on a pro bono basis, to self- represented litigants either contemplating starting a Small Claims Court matter or with an ongoing Small Claims Court matter.
Website: Click
Tel: 709-579-5783
John Howard Society of NL
The John Howard Society of NL seeks to reduce crime by providing opportunities for the rehabilitation of offenders and advocating reform through successful program interventions; public education; crime prevention strategies; and restorative justice principles.
Website: Click
Phone: 709-726-5500
Miles for Smiles
Miles for Smiles Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the
support, awareness and prevention of child abuse. The Foundation offers support to adult survivors of child abuse by facilitating a peer support group twice a month in St John’s.
Website: Click
Phone: 709-746-9627
NL Govt: Family Justice Services – Dept of Justice & Public Safety
Family Justice Services (FJS) offers services that assist families in resolving custody, access and/or child support issues outside of court. FJS focuses on the needs of children and
promotes mediation and dispute resolution outside of the court. During the process
parties talk to a neutral person to explore ways to reach an agreement.
Website: Click here
Phone: 709-729-1183
NL Govt: Dept of Children, Seniors & Social Development
The Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development supports individuals, families and communities in Newfoundland and Labrador in achieving improved health and social well-being and reduced poverty; and ensures the protection of children, youth and adults from abuse or neglect. The department promotes the values of inclusion, diversity, and healthy active living and leads the development of policies, programs and partnerships to improve services and the overall social development of the province.
Website: Click
Phone: 709-729-0760
NL Legal Aid Commission
The NL Legal Aid Commission aims help people with serious legal problems who are in financial need and cannot afford private counsel. Legal aid is funded by the Federal and Provincial governments and by the Law Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador
Website: Click
Phone: 709-753-7860, ext. 301
Peace Bonds
This website will guide you through the process of getting a peace bond against someone else. There are two reasons why you might apply:
- Because you fear that another person may do you or your family some personal injury.
- Because you fear that another person may damage your property.
Website: Click
RNC IVP Unit’s Safety Plan
Whether you are ready or willing to speak to the police or not, we highly recommend checking out this comprehensive personal safety plan . This document covers almost every possible scenario worth considering when getting ready to leave an abusive relationship.
Website: Click
Phone: 709-729-8093 (NOTE: This number is not monitored 24/7)
RNC IVP Unit’s Lock Exchange Program
The lock exchange program installs replacement locks for women who are in need of having door locks replaced due to fear of intimate partner violence.
Website: Click
Phone: 709-729-8093 (NOTE: This number is not monitored 24/7)
Supreme Court of NL – Family Division
There are two levels of Family Court in NL: Provincial and Supreme.
The Provincial Court and the Supreme Court of NL hear family matters dealing with custody, access, child support and spousal/partner support. However, only the Supreme Court has the authority to deal with divorce and the division of matrimonial/common law property.
Website: Click here
Phone: 709-729-2258
Waypoints
Waypoints provides a variety of residential and support services to children, youth and families. Waypoints strives to create an environment of respect and empathy that promotes and challenges individuals to achieve personal growth and the skills necessary to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
Website: Click here
Phone: 709-368-6390