If you are experiencing abuse in your relationship you have choices:
- If you are in danger, call 911. Police will help you.
Read more about Talking to the Police.
- Keep a written record.
Keep a written record of the times when the abuse takes place, and also describing the abuse. If your situation should be dealt with in some way by the courts, a written record will be very useful in trying to establish a history of abuse.
- You can talk to someone about the abuse.
You can tell someone you trust like a family member, a friend, or your doctor about the abuse. You can also talk to a support group in your community or on your campus. Women’s centres and legal aid offices may be able to tell you of other services that offer help.
- You can get medical help.
If you have been hurt you can go to your doctor or to the emergency department at a hospital. If your injuries are visible you can have pictures taken. They can be used in court should you decide to lay assault charges. There are special medical and police procedures for sexual assault cases.
- You can go to a safer place
You and your children can go to a friend’s house or to a women’s shelter, and you can stay there free. If you ask, the police or RCMP will take you where you want to go.
Read more about Leaving Safely.
- You can use the law to protect yourself.
You can apply for a protective order to keep your partner away from you.
Read more about Protecting Yourself.
- You can end your relationship with your partner.
Though it is often very difficult to leave an abusive relationship, you can end the relationship. You deserve to be safe and treated with love and respect.
If you have children read more about Taking Your Children With You.
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