3. Get support and make a safety plan

You can talk to someone you trust about the abuse, for example, a doctor, nurse, lawyer, social worker, or counsellor.

A friend or family member might want to support you, but they may not know how. And they may not understand how abuse affects people differently.

Friends or family might also feel they need to take sides. Or they might not understand how important your privacy is. This might happen if they're friends with both you and your partner.

Counselling services

There are professionals you can talk to about your situation. They can also help you leave an abusive relationship. For emergency, 24-hour a day telephone support, you can call:

the distress line in your region
The Assaulted Women’s Helpline, at  1-800-863-0511
Fem’aide, if you speak French, at  1-877-336-2433
Talk4Healing, if you're an Indigenous woman living in Northern Ontario and speak English, Ojibway, Oji-Cree, or Cree, at  1-855-554-4325
Ganohkwasra Family Assault Support Services, if you're part of the Six Nations of the Grand River community, at  519-445-4324

When you call a helpline, you do not have to give your name and contact information.

You can also call your local shelter for abused women. Most shelters have staff available 24 hours a day to answer your call. They can help even if you do not need to move there.

To meet with someone, contact:

a family service agency in your community
a Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre if there's one in your area

Legal help

It's important to get legal advice. Try and speak with a family lawyer. If you're worried about your immigration status, speak with an immigration lawyer too.

You may be able to get free legal advice. Read more in Where can I find legal support if I have experienced partner abuse?.

Safety plan

Your safety and your children's safety are the most important things to think about, whether or not you leave your partner.

Think about making a safety plan. Your  can include things like:

an emergency escape plan
things to pack in an emergency bag if you need to leave home quickly
a list of important documents to keep or copy
learning the telephone number of a local shelter

You can also get help to make your safety plan.