Family violence can be physical, sexual, emotional or financial. It can include threats, stalking, forced isolation, control of documents or money, and using children or immigration status to frighten someone.
If danger is immediate
Call 911. If it is unsafe to speak, follow the emergency operator’s instructions or use a safe device to contact a local crisis service. ShelterSafe lists shelters and provincial or territorial crisis lines.
Use a safer device if possible
Someone may monitor calls, browser history, location sharing, email or cloud accounts. A private device at a library, settlement agency, clinic or trusted person’s home may be safer. Clearing history does not remove every trace and may itself be noticed.
Make a plan, not a confrontation
A trained worker can help you think through where to go, transportation, children, pets, medication, money and documents. You do not need to decide immediately whether to leave permanently or report to police in order to ask for safety planning.
If possible, keep copies of identity and immigration documents, health cards, medication information, keys and important phone numbers where the abusive person cannot access them.
Immigration threats
An abusive partner does not personally decide whether you may stay in Canada. Immigration options depend on your status and circumstances. Speak privately with a settlement service, legal clinic or authorized immigration professional. Do not sign documents you do not understand.
Helping someone else
Listen without blaming or demanding a decision. Ask what communication is safe. Do not send detailed messages that could be discovered. In an emergency involving a child, follow the child-protection reporting rules where the child is located.
Leaving can increase danger. Confidential planning with a local service is important.