75 Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers To create mental space for yourself, you can put headphones on and imagine a wall between you and the abuser. To create physical space, you can move somewhere in your home where you can be alone and close or lock the door, such as a bedroom or a bathroom. • Things I can to do reduce contact with someone who makes me feel unsafe: Keep track of safe spaces Leaving your home for a few hours to spend time in a place where you feel comfortable may reduce stress and anxiety. Consider what places you can go to in your community to safely spend time while physically distancing. This may include a library, community centre, place of worship, mall, friend’s house, youth shelter, drop-in peer support or mental health resource centre, depending on public health guidelines in your area. • Places where I can safely take space for myself: Connect with people you trust It can be helpful to surround yourself with people that make you feel safe - at a physical distance or virtually. Even if they don’t know exactly what you’re going through, it’s important to have people in your life that care about you and support you. If you’re comfortable and feel ready, talking to a safe adult about what’s happening may increase your support system and help you feel less alone. You may also want to create a code word with the people you feel safe around to communicate when you need their immediate support. Discuss in advance what action this person will take once you use your code word.This could mean having them come pick you up or having them call emergency services for you. • Who I can contact when I don’t feel safe: • Supportive services I can contact when I don’t feel safe (name of service, hours of operation, contact info): You can use Kids Help Phone’s Resources Around Me database to find additional support services in your area. Document your experience Find a private space to keep a record of any incidents of abuse to share with people who can support you. Documenting this information will allow you to more effectively share what you’re experiencing and how often it happens.This is especially helpful when reaching out to emergency services or if you need medical attention. • What I can say when I contact 911 or emergency services: Identify your limit You’re the expert of your own experience. Because you have the best understanding of what your limits are, it’s important to reflect on when the abuser’s words or actions become too much to handle. It’s important to make a plan for what to do if that limit is reached. • What my limits are: • What I can do if my limit is reached: (continued) (continued)
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