Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) is an ongoing epidemic in Australia and sadly the COVID-19 pandemic has made the situation worse. Lockdowns and social distancing have not only created a spike in violence, but also reduced the ability for victims to seek help.

The health system is often the first point of contact for victims who have experienced DFV.

As frontline responders in a rural area, quite often clinicians are left to deal with the complex situation of these DFV related presentations.

The most lethal time for a victim of DFV is when they are escaping. For many it is an extremely scary and uncertain time, leaving with only the clothes on their back.

Despite staff recognising, responding and referring patients to DFV services for appropriate support, there continues to be a demand for further resources to support victims in the initial stages of fleeing abusive or dangerous situations.

In an effort to further support victims in the local community, Mount Isa Hospital has proudly partnered with Escabags.

Escabags is a service that provides ‘escape bags’ filled with necessities that a victim of domestic and family abuse and their children may need when initially escaping an abusive or dangerous situation.

Escabags was founded last year by Stacy Jane as a result of her personal experiences with DFV. Stacy said founding Escabags was not about starting something, but rather ending it.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

North West HHS Domestic and Family Violence High Risk Team Acting Clinic Nurse Consultant, Alyce Rosenthal said the bags are an invaluable tool for clinicians to be able to offer patients during a difficult time.

“To be able to provide a bag full of practical items to patients at their most vulnerable is an initiative that we are proud to support,” she said.

“These bags are donated and made with love and are available here at Mount Isa Hospital should any of our local community members find themselves in a situation where they may need some extra help.”

The initial shipment is four bags, with more bags able to be ordered at any time.

For further information on how you can support Escabags through sewing tote bags or monetary donations, visit www.escabags.org.

If you or someone you know is experiencing family or domestic violence, help is available. Contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), a confidential counselling and support service.