Domestic Violence: Checklist of Things to Take When You Leave

Topic Overview

If you want to save this information but don't think it is safe to take it home, see if a trusted friend can keep it for you. Plan ahead. Know who you can call for help, and memorize the phone number.

Be careful online too. Your online activity may be seen by others. Do not use your personal computer or device to read about this topic. Use a safe computer such as one at work, a friend's house, or a library.

Here are some helpful items to get together when you are planning on leaving an abusive situation. Keep these items in a safe place until you are ready to leave or in case you need to leave suddenly. If you have children, take them. And take your pets, too, if possible.

Checklist for preparing to leave an abusive situation
Identification for yourself and your children	Birth certificates Social Insurance Number (SIN) cards (or numbers written on paper if you can't find the cards) Driver's licence Photo identification or passport Permanent resident card
Important personal papers	Marriage certificate Divorce papers Custody orders Legal protection or protective orders Health plan papers and medical cards Medical records for all family members Children's school records Investment papers/records and account numbers Work permits Immigration papers Rental agreement/lease or house deed Car title, registration, and insurance information Records of police reports you have filed, or other evidence of abuse
Funds	Cash Credit cards ATM card Chequebook and bankbook (with deposit slips)
Keys	House Car Safety deposit box or post office box
A way to communicate	Phone calling card Cell phone Address book
Medicines	At least 1 month's supply for all medicines you and your children are taking, as well as a copy of the prescriptions
A way to get by	Jewellery or small objects you can sell, if you run out of money or stop having access to your accounts
Things to help you cope	Pictures Keepsakes Children's small toys or books

^{Source: U.S. National Women's Health Information Center at www.WomensHealth.gov.}

Credits

Current as of: August 31, 2020

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Brian O'Brien, MD, FRCPC - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Brigid McCaw, MD, MPH, MS, FACP - Internal Medicine