Isolated in a violent environment? Tips for keeping YOU safe!

By Natalie Lafleur (Student Rights & Responsibilities Specialist), Sean Connors (Student Wellness Coordinator)

We are living in strange times. While physical distancing and self-isolation measures are in place to protect our collective health; they may unintentionally create a higher risk for people living with violence. History tells us that the frequency of gender-based violence is likely to increase after community hardship (Unseen, Unheard: Gender-based violence in disasters, 2015); and recent limits on social contact has made it difficult to rely on friends, coworkers, community services or safe family members for connection and support.

If you think you (or someone you know), might be at risk of violence, below are some tips to help you stay safe during these difficult times. As isolated as you might be feeling, remember; you are not alone! Please reach out to the numbers included at the bottom of this list if you have any questions, or would like to talk about your situation.

Tips adapted from Luke’s Place (Luke’s Place, 2020): 

1. Connect with an emergency shelter in your community. Access the City of Hamilton’s emergency shelter list. Even if you don’t stay at a shelter, staff can provide outreach services to support you and can help you make an emergency escape plan as well as a safety plan.

2. Password-protect your cell phone and clear your call, text, and browser history frequently.

3. Find or make a safe room in your house: ideally a room that has a lockable door, or one that contains heavy furniture that can be moved in front of the door to help keep it closed. If possible, the room should have a window big enough for you to be able to escape through if necessary. 

4. During an assault or fight, try to avoid rooms that may contain objects that could be used to hurt you (i.e. kitchen). 

5. Keep your cellphone on you at all times. If possible, keep it tucked away so that it can not be taken away from you easily. Have emergency numbers saved to your favourites so that you can make a call quickly, if necessary. 

6. If you have the means, keep a portable charger closeby.

7. Avoid wearing clothing or jewelry that could be used to harm you (i.e. scarves, necklaces, earrings etc.) 

8. Consider the various exits that exist in your house (i.e. windows/doors), and mentally map these out in your head in the case that you need to make a quick escape. 

9. If you have a car, make sure to back into the driveway to allow an easier escape. If possible, keep at least a half tank of gas in the car at all times and hide a separate set of keys somewhere outside where you can quickly grab them, if necessary. 

10. If you have neighbours that you can trust, ask if they would be willing to leave a key hidden outside for you in case you need somewhere safe to escape to. 

Remember you’re the best person to decide which of these tips will work for you. If you find yourself in need of support, or have questions about the ideas above; consider contacting one of these Mohawk Services:

References:
Unseen, Unheard: Gender-based violence in disasters. (2015). Retrieved from https://www.ifrc.org/Global/Publications/Gender and Diversity/GBV in disasters AP report LR.pdf

Luke's Place. (2020). Luke's Place. Retrieved from https://lukesplace.ca/social-distancing-safety-tips-for-women-still-living-with-an-abusive-partner/