The ‘escape bags’ are designed for both adults and children, and contain essential items and a few things for comfort.
For the first time, the bags are now available in Deniliquin.
They can be collected from the CareSouth office at 4/344 Cressy St, Deniliquin, located in the arcade which runs between Cressy St and Whitelock St.
CareSouth Deniliquin behaviour support practitioner Anna Suckling said the team saw value in providing the free bags to the Deniliquin and district community.
‘‘It is a national initiative and all bags are packed by volunteers, and we at CareSouth nominated to be involved,’’ Mrs Suckling said.
‘‘The bags are available at our offices. They are free and you don’t have to fill out any forms to receive one.
‘‘The bags contain toiletries mainly, but they also provide nappies, story books and even toys for the little ones.’’
Escabags was founded by domestic violence survivor Stacy Jane in 2019, and it became a registered charity on February 20, 2020.
‘‘Sometimes escaping an abusive or dangerous situation isn’t just about finding emotional support; it’s about having a practical solution available that will save your life, and that’s what Escabags is,’’ the charity founder said.
‘‘‘I know how it feels to fear for your life because of an abusive situation but to be too afraid to leave.
‘‘I know how it feels to finally escape and not have the necessities with you to allow you to rest and recover soundly for the first 24 hours.
‘‘Founding Escabags was not about starting something; it’s about ending it.’’
The Deniliquin CareSouth team hosted a yellow morning tea on Tuesday to mark becoming an Escabag stockist, and to raise awareness of domestic violence support.
The official Escapbags awareness day is today.
■ Domestic violence support is available through 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or www.1800respect.org.au, or the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or www.ntv.org.au.
Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944 , Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Information is also available at www.denimentalhealth.org.au.
