Survivors may be forced to stay in the home or in close proximity with their abusers during the COVID-19 isolation measures, which can create a circumstance where their safety is compromised. Survivors may need to alter their safety plans, if it is safe to do so. Remember that survivors are not alone and they may reach out to a number of support resources if in crisis or just need to talk, such as:
For Emergency Assistance Call the Kahnawake Peace Keepers at 450-632-6505
https://www.thehotline.org/2020/03/13/staying-safe-during-covid-19/
www.thehotline.org -National Domestic Violence Hotline Call 1-800-799-7233
Log onto thehotline.org to chat Text LOVEIS to 22522
www.Tel-Aide.org Tel-Aide 514-935-1101 – Confidential non-specific support for people who are in emotional distress, experiencing loneliness, stress at work, domestic violence, addiction, etc.
WWW.HOPEFORWELLNESS.CA – HELP LINE 1-855-242-3310 -The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Experienced and culturally competent Help Line counsellors can help if you, want to talk, are distressed, have strong emotional reactions, are triggered by painful memories.
www.teljeunes.com Call 1-800-263-2266 or Text 514-600-1002 – Non-specific information and counselling services for youth.
www.sosviolenceconjugale.ca Call 1-800-363-9010 - Counselling, evaluation, information, awareness, support and referral services for victims of domestic and family violence. (Find an Indigenous shelter in Quebec or ask to speak to an Indigenous counsellor)
www.211qc.ca - Information and referral service
To view a national list of transition houses, and to find a shelter in your area, please visit https://www.sheltersafe.ca/
Safety Plans
Not sure what a Safety Plan is? Here are some resources to guide you.
https://www.thehotline.org/help/path-to-safety/
https://www.loveisrespect.org/for-yourself/safety-planning/
Safety Planning Tool:
https://www.loveisrespect.org/for-yourself/safety-planning/interactive-safety-plan/
Self-Care
Surviving an abusive relationship is hard on its own, even more so with the added stress of isolating during COVID-19 measures. It is so important to practice self-care always but especially during these times of uncertainty. Self-care takes practice. Not sure where to start? Here are some resources to help you figure out the best ways to practice self-care:
Importance of Self Care
https://www.thehotline.org/2014/08/08/the-importance-of-self-care/
https://www.thehotline.org/2016/03/31/5-self-care-tips-for-abuse-and-trauma-survivors/
A Self-Care Game:
Staying Safe on the Internet
It is always a good idea to learn how to stay safe when it comes to technology, especially if you suspect an abuser is monitoring your activity. Here are some resources to help you learn how to delete your browsing history online to keep safe within the home:
https://www.thehotline.org/2015/01/28/reducing-tech-footprints/
Learn how an abusive partner can monitor your computer or cellphone:
https://www.loveisrespect.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/LIR-Who_Spying-1.pdf