LOCAL LIFE
Escape bags packed
with care and support
by Maryann Callaghan
Beginning as a small home sewing project in 2019 to alleviate her own panic attacks brought on by harrowing domestic abuse - Escabags has become a national charity , supplying essentials for victims fleeing domestic violence .
With more than 600 stockists across the nation , including greater Blacktown , the Hills , Hornsby and Hawkesbury districts , Escabag tote bags contain prepaid sim cards and helpline contacts along with toiletries , baby and personal care items and ‘ starters ’ to provide comfort and support to victims during their first days of leaving .
Bags are available for both adults and children .
The idea was the brainchild of domestic abuse survivor Stacy Jane . She turned her accumulation of tote bag sewing projects into practical gifts , after recalling how horrible and ashamed she felt shopping for her own essentials after being attacked . “ Escabags are free and easily accessible no matter what time of day it is , to avoid that [ shopping ] trip , to avoid that feeling ,” the CEO and founder said .
Since their official launch in February 2020 , community engagement officer Marie Copp confirmed the charity has distributed more than 17,000 bags nationwide .
“ No , we didn ’ t think it would take off like this ,” Marie told the Independent .
“ Stacy and I often look at each other when packing the bags and just say ‘ wow ’.”
Marie said the main objective of the bags is to hopefully reduce the amount of time a victim goes back into the family home .
“ Fleeing was the most dangerous time for an abuse victim because it ’ s when the perpetrator has lost control ,” she said .
“ The bags are designed around what Stacy needed to be able to escape after being strangled and fleeing to a friend ’ s house , who had no ‘ girl ’ s things ’ … and to minimise the fear and shame associated with going out in public with bruising and injuries .”
Every tote bag is created by sewists from across the country , from Girl Guides to sewing groups to prisoners , and delivered to the charity ’ s door .
“ We even have a 90-year-old grandmother whose made 3500 bags ,” Marie said .
“ They are so beautiful . Made with love and put together with care for people we don ’ t know and never will but are possibly at the lowest point in their lives .
“ We don ’ t put anything in the bags we wouldn ’ t use ourselves and include luxury brands .
“ Unfortunately , demand has increased while product donations have decreased … and our freight costs are huge .”
After A Current Affair recently televised Stacy ’ s story , demand for new stock has gone through the roof , according to Marie .
Escabags founder Stacy Jane .
Each escape bag is sewn by a volunteer and packed with essentials , toiletries and comfort items . They are available free of charge to anyone fleeing
domestic violence or dangerous abuse situations .
“ We purchase 85 per cent of the products ourselves and continue to reach out to bigger companies and organisations , but don ’ t have much luck as they already have charity partners or have allocated their budgets .”
Businesses are being urged to donate products to Escabags and new stockists are always being sought . If you can help , email Hello @ escabags . com .
For further information about the charity , its fundraising and getting involved , go to escabags . org
LOCAL STOCKISTS INCLUDE :
Allied Health Therapy Unit , Blacktown Blacktown Hospital
St John of God – Raphael Services – Blacktown
ADRA Community Centre Blacktown
Westpoint Shopping Centre , Blacktown
Mission Australia , Blacktown St Marys Rugby League Club Hope Street Mt Druitt , Emerton St Marys Flexible Learning Centre
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 41 // AUGUST 2024 11