A mother and her daughter.

5. Leaving:

  1. Contact the nearest shelter for help.
  2. Meet with a lawyer or legal aid. (Bring all your papers with you — originals, not photocopies. If you must leave the originals, ask the lawyer for photocopies.)
  3. If you must stop working, file for employment insurance. Go to the E.I. office in your area. Bring your Record of Employment (ROE) and social insurance card with you.
  4. File for welfare, if needed. Fill out forms at your district office. Bring a letter from your lawyer about your situation. Bring photocopies of birth certificates, social insurance cards, your own or joint bank account books.
  5. Phone the school office and tell them about your children's absence. Get your child’s report cards. Tell the school NOT to give out your old or new address.
  6. Talk with a lawyer about custody of your children.
  7. Be careful who you tell

Did you know?

Women stay in abusive relationships for a variety of reasons: isolation, self-blame, family and societal pressures, lack of financial support, fear of being labelled and lack of services. Many women do not want to end the relationship; all women want the abuse to stop.