| |
• Keep bushes and trees that can
be used to hide in trimmed back |
| |
• Ask your telephone service provider what
is available for your safety (call block, call privacy, unlisted number,
answering service, etc. |
| |
• Make sure your phone is connected before
moving into a new place |
| |
• Use *69 to trace hang-up calls or *57 that
the police can trace on your behalf (both these services have a cost) |
| |
• Be aware of all entrances and exits
to your home or building |
| |
• Change your locks and make sure you
have a good dead bolt |
| |
• Make sure all windows are locked and
that sliding glass doors are blocked with a dowel. There are locks
available for sliding glass doors that prevent them from being lifted
out of the doorframe. |
| |
• Install outdoor lights (sensor) |
| |
• Get a security system |
| |
• Purchase a ladder to use from second
story windows (also good in case of fire) |
| |
• Ask the police about alarms available
such as DVERS (Domestic Violence Emergency System) |
| |
• Ask the officer in charge of your case
if you can have a Special Address System (this flags your address
for 911 operators) |
| |
• Create an emergency room in your home.
(put a lock on a bedroom door or bathroom and have a phone in that
room, prop a chair under the door handle) |
| |
• Get a dog |
| |
• Inform landlord, neighbour, superintendent
that the abuser is not residing there and if they see the abuser to
call you or the police |
| |
• Install a peephole so that you can
see who is at your door |
| |
• Make sure your street address is clearly
visible and well lit for emergency calls |
| |
• Always have your home and car keys
in your hand when you are entering your home or leaving |
| |
• If you come home and something is out
of the ordinary i.e. a door is ajar, do not go in. Go to a neighbours
or a payphone and call the police |
| |
• Be very cautious about who you give
a new address or phone number to |
| |
• If you live in an apartment building,
do not put your name on the residence listing in the lobby |
| |
• If you have an assigned parking space,
ask if you can use another spot |
| |
• Be very careful about what you throw
out in the garbage ( get a shredder) |
| |
• If you have a computer online service
and the abuser knows your e-mail address, change it and be careful
of who you give it to |
