Leaving an abusive relationship is a challenging decision, but your safety and well-being are of utmost importance. Planning ahead is crucial, as the moment of departure can be the most dangerous. This guide aims to help you create a thoughtful safety plan and provide essential information for a smooth transition.

Contact Bethesda House Shelter

Bethesda House is a pet-friendly shelter with services tailored to your needs.

Reach out to our counsellors to discuss your situation and create a personalized safety plan.

Shelters for Abused Women

Bethesda House is one of four women's shelters in the Durham Region and one of 96 in Ontario.
If seeking shelter outside Durham Region, visit ShelterSafe.ca.
Most shelters, including Bethesda House, offer 24-hour crisis lines and transportation assistance.

When Leaving:

Prioritize your safety and that of your children.
Collect important items: legal documents, identification, birth certificates, clothes, medications, children's essentials, and keys.
If the police are involved, they can support you during the collection process.

Financial Assistance:

If not opting for shelter living, contact the Department of Social Services for financial support.
Inform them about your situation to receive the necessary assistance.

Housing:

Access the Durham Region Social Housing process for help.
Bethesda House's Transitional Support and Housing Worker (TSHW) assists both shelter and community residents.
Women leaving abuse have priority status with Ontario Housing.
Discuss your situation with the Housing Worker regarding temporary accommodations and long-term leases.

Telephone Safety:

Be cautious when making calls to confidential numbers.
Your abuser may access call history.
Learn about Call Trace as an additional safety feature.

For Your Safety:

Blocking doesn't affect 9-1-1 emergency services.
Blocked calls can still be traced.
Remember to stay vigilant and informed about available safety measures.

The longer a woman stays in the relationship the worse the abuse usually gets. Unfortunately, the time when a woman leaves her abuser is also the most dangerous time for her. At this point the abuser may escalate their behaviour i) to get you back, or ii) to ensure no-one else will “have you”.

Therefore it is extremely important to think ahead and have a plan before acting. A well thought out safety plan will enable a woman to think clearly and move quickly. It can seem overwhelming, but taking one step at a time may help.

A good first step in your plan is to contact the Bethesda House shelter (or other women’s shelter near you) to talk about your situation and decide what to do next. Counselors can then help you make a plan.

Do not stay in a dangerous situation longer because you are worried about what you will do with your pet. Bethesda House is a pet-friendly shelter and we will bring your pet into shelter with you whenever possible. If we aren’t able to accommodate your pet in shelter, we will help you access a temporary care provider or other resources through safepet.ca. For more information about this, call us and talk talk to us.

Leaving abuse is a difficult journey, but with careful planning and support, you can reclaim your life. Reach out to Bethesda House and other resources for assistance in creating a safer, healthier future. Your well-being is the priority, and there is help available every step of the way.

Leaving abuse is a difficult journey, but with careful planning and support, you can reclaim your life. Reach out to Bethesda House and other resources for assistance in creating a safer, healthier future. Your well-being is the priority, and there is help available every step of the way.