Safety is as critical for you as for the women you are supporting because you may be exposed to abusers or their families or friends.
- Women often report that their ex-partners ask questions after court about the person who accompanied them.
- The abuser may claim the worker “put ideas” into the woman’s head or blame the worker for the woman’s decision to leave.
- Abusive partners have confronted workers demanding to know who they are and what business they have being involved.
- Safety can be particularly challenging in small and rural communities, where the abuser or the abuser’s family and friends may know or encounter the advocate in another context, know where they or their family live or know what kind of vehicle they drive.
There are a number of steps you can take to decrease the risks associated with your work.
Court safety
When you are at court with a woman
- Stay as far away from the abuser as the available space will allow. For example, if the courthouse has consultation rooms, consider using one as a waiting area for you and the woman you are accompanying.
- In the event that the abuser approaches, walk away and, if they follow, seek the support of RCMP/POLICE or court security.
- Do not participate or act as a “witness” if the client wishes to approach the abuser.
- Do not accept documents from or deliver them to the abuser.
- Do not become involved in exchanging children, no matter what the circumstances are.
- Request an escort to your vehicle if safety is a concern.
Online
Protect your identifying information such as home and cell phone numbers. Many women report that their ex-partners gain access to their phone information and question them about unfamiliar numbers.
Consider your online presence, including the use of apps and online gaming. Can the abuser learn about your family and friends or your home address? If the abuser came across your profile or posts, would they be able to figure out who you are? You may want to use a different name online and use privacy settings. Understand that no online activities are truly private, untraceable or risk-free.
Never respond or engage in any way if the abuser finds you online and attempts any direct or indirect contact with you. Immediately inform your supervisor, block the abuser if possible, and try to save evidence of any threatening or harassing online conduct by the abuser towards you. Likewise, if you happen to come across the abuser or someone you suspect may be them online, do not click on their profile or posts or engage in any way as the safety risks and ethical implications are simply not worth any curiosity you may feel.