ESCABAGS

THE ESCABAGS STORY - ESCABAGS.COM 

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 be unable to confide in your family and friends, or even call the police in fear of how you and the people you love could be affected.

I know how it feels to have your every move, conversation, text message and financial transaction monitored, forcing you into a state of mental paralysis.

I know how it feels to finally escape and not have the necessities with you to be able to rest and recover soundly for the first 24 hours.

I know how important ESCABAGS will be for you.

“Escabags is the first step in you becoming a SURVIVOR and no longer a victim.”

***********************************************************

There has been little change to the current statistics on abuse, in actual fact they are on the rise - globally. I personally don't like the idea of being aware of these statistics, knowing I am part of these statistics, and not doing something to help reduce these numbers now I'm fortunate enough to be out the other end - as a survivor.

I once believed there was no way back from my trauma. I remember the feeling of complete isolation and having no control over my freedom the day I moved into a Women’s Shelter. I just wanted to vanish, to slip out the back door quietly.

Then came the flashbacks, nightmares and the PTSD diagnosis. I couldn't be any further away in the World from this person, physically I was 'safe', but mentally I was afraid my own mind would never completely allow me to feel safe again. It has, and still can be a very difficult and frightening experience to try and heal from, but I am healing and I did survive.

I now believe I went through this pain and experience for a reason, maybe I was chosen? I don’t know. What I do know is that I have been strong enough to convert the pain I once felt into purpose and that purpose is to help others in a similar situation that I was once in.

I choose to personally make each Escabag, because I want the receiver (the Survivor) to know that with each stitch and with each minute that is spent on the bag being created, there was (and is) someone who cares, someone who understands and someone who believes in their inner strength to get through this incredibly difficult situation.

For every piece of material I fix and sew together I am not only helping others, but I am also continuing to heal and mend myself. The funny thing is, the only thing I can make on my sewing machine is a tote bag, and do you know where I learnt that? There was a day course organised for us all in the Women's Shelter called 'Make and Mend' and they taught us how to make a tote bag using a sewing machine. 12 months later Escabags is born - funny how things work out...!

I strongly believe that if harnessed correctly, the person who has caused you the greatest pain will ultimately be your greatest teacher and that will enable you to not just GO forward, but to GROW forward.

So, if it's you who's reading this, you the victim, they may have bruised you emotionally and/or physically, but you are not broken and you will survive, just like I did.

Take care and remember... you are not alone. x

***********************************************************

WHAT ARE ESCABAGS?

ESCABAGS = ESCAPE BAG

Escabags are not gender, age, religion, sexuality or ability specific, nor are they situation specific. They are to assist the victims of abuse when initially escaping from a dangerous, abusive situation.

There are many forms of abuse; Emotional Abuse, Financial Abuse, Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Verbal Abuse, Child Abuse, Elder Abuse, Spiritual or Religious Abuse, Harassment & Stalking or Neglect, to name a few. You may have also heard terms such as Narcissism, Gaslighting, Lovebombing, Ghosting, Coercive Control and Manipulation.

There isn't a 'better' or 'worse' form of abuse. Some victims don't even realise they are being abused. But when they do, or when you have now realised this - Escabags is ready and waiting, with open arms.

Escabags are lightweight, cotton tote bags, each made with love and filled with the necessities that a victim of abuse and his/her child/children may need when initially escaping from a dangerous situation.

As our motto states “Escabags is the first step in you becoming a SURVIVOR and no longer a victim.” When the time comes, the victim is not only picking up a bag, they are choosing life and to no longer accept the abuse they and possibly their children have had to endure.

It is the first step in their new life.

​Escabags and their contents are completely free of charge and we are in the process of making them easily available and accessible in as many Hospitals, Service Stations, Doctors Surgeries, Schools, Supermarkets and Health Centres as possible. So when that brave time comes, it will not matter where the victim is or what time of the night it is, there will be somewhere to collect an Escabag.

Visit our website for what can you expect to find inside an Escabag .

***********************************************************

THE ESCABAGS MISSION

The Escabags Mission is to create handmade and lightweight tote bags which are filled with the necessities that a Single Adult / Parent and Child may require when initially escaping from a dangerous, abusive situation.

Escabags will be free and easily accessible in places such as Hospitals, Service Stations, Doctors Surgeries, Schools, Supermarkets and Health Centres for those who require them. We will also recognise those harder to reach victims; our Indigenous people, the disabled and those in more rural areas, all of which abuse statistics are at their highest.

Each Stockist will not only be listed on our website, but also display a small poster within their establishment advertising they have Escabags available. If you would like to become a Stockist, please contact us .

Each Escabag will have its own individual serial number enclosed. The Escabag can then be registered (optionally) with the victims own details or anonymously with the name of an emergency contact. Should the victim be in trouble or need transportation to a place of safety, we can contact their ‘chosen person’ on their behalf.

***********************************************************

​WHAT SUPPORT IS NEEDED?

- DONATE FINANCIALLY

As with any Project or Charity in it's infancy, support in the form of monetary donations is not only important, but greatly appreciated. Financial support for Escabags is required initially for the purchase of material to enable the handmade production of each Escabag and to initially fund the essential items that each bag will contain.

- BECOME A STOCKIST

We are hoping to have Escabags available in as many Hospitals, Service Stations, Doctors Surgeries, Schools, Supermarkets and Health Centres as possible. However if you are the Owner of a Business or Organisation and are happy to stock Escabags, preferably one of each (1 x Single Adult and 1 x Parent & Child) please contact us .

Escabags are not to be stocked on your shop floor, our only request is that you would kindly display a small A4/A5 sized poster stating Escabags are free and available in your establishment. Once an Escabag is collected, please let us know and we will issue you with a replacement.

- DONATE ESSENTIAL ITEMS

You can find a full list of what you can expect to find in an Escabag, here . Miniature / travel sized toiletries are preferred to keep the bag as light as possible. However all donations are gratefully accepted.

We would love to hear from your Company if you are able to donate a regular supply of one of the listed items and become a Sponsor or even if you are able to make a one-off donation of items from an organised School or community collection. Just contact us  and we will arrange for the items to be collected at a time convenient to you.

- SHARING IS CARING!

We fully appreciate that not everyone is able to make a contribution, however you would be supporting Escabags greatly just by sharing our website or Go Fund Me page when you have a minute to spare via email or your Social Media accounts.

***********************************************************

Escabags is determined and focused on reducing the numbers that represent the current statistics of abuse, because those ‘numbers’ are lives. Initially, the most important priority for us will be to circulate Escabags locally and then nationally, eventually expanding to a small registered charity, supporting victims on a personal one-to-one basis, so that no one is just a number.

Your support is not only greatly appreciated, it is vital.

Escabags is just the start.

Thank you for your time.