If you feel unsafe
Some of what people call relationship conflict isn't conflict. Threats, intimidation, stalking, isolating you from friends or family, controlling your money, monitoring your phone, or any physical harm are signs of abuse. They are not problems to fix with better communication, and you do not have to fix them alone.
In Canada
Emergency
If you are in immediate danger
Call 911
Anyone in Canada, 24/7, English and French
Call or text 9-8-8
Women in Ontario who have experienced any form of abuse — free, anonymous, 24/7
1-866-863-0511 · TTY 1-866-863-7868 · #SAFE (#7233) on Bell, Rogers, Fido or Telus
Indigenous women in Ontario, 24/7
Call or text 1-855-554-4325 (HEAL)
Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Ontario, 24/7, multilingual
1-866-887-0015
Young people anywhere in Canada, 24/7
1-800-668-6868 · text CONNECT to 686868
A map of women's shelters across Canada, with their 24-hour numbers
sheltersafe.ca
Local community and social services, for anyone
Call 2-1-1
Anywhere else
Support varies by country. findahelpline.com lists free, confidential helplines around the world, and your local emergency number is the right call if you are in immediate danger.
Staying safe online
If someone may be checking your devices, use a phone or computer they can't access, or a private browsing window, when you look for help.
CoffeePal publishes essays. We are not a crisis service and cannot respond to emergencies.