Category: Domestic Violence

Go Bags for Domestic Violence Survivors

5/2/2018

"The statistics are that women in abusive relationships are about 500 times more at risk when they leave," said Wendy Mahoney, executive director for the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence. "Domestic violence is all about power and control, and when a woman leaves, a man has lost his power and control."

On average, about 20 people/minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the US. This equates to about 10 million women and men per year.

On a typical day there are more than 20,000 phone calls to domestic violence hotlines nationwide. In Nevada about 24% of those calls result in a request for a shelter, which is far more than just a phone call. It takes the help of several people and intricate planning.

The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%

Intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime.

Only 34% of people who are injured by an intimate partner receive medical care for their injuries.

Read more here.

Introducing Go-Bags

When escaping from a domestically violent situation, accessing a safe opportunity doesn't always allow you to wait and run back to the house to grab things that you feel as if you need. Being a woman who has once found myself running from my abuser and staying in a shelter with my toddler, I can relate with the feeling of needing everything that the shelter was able to offer in the moment.

Now that I find myself in a much healthier place in life, I am giving back with the help of some friends because life is hard enough without having to doubt your safety in the presence of someone you have come to love.

Domestic Violence shelters have a huge demand and they can't always meet every need so Bella's Apothecary has decided to put together a monthly supply of "Go-Bags" to help ease a traumatic transition into the process of fighting back by securing your safety. These Go-Bags are made possible because of a combination of gifts. A portion coming from Bella's Apothecary and the rest being graciously given by individuals who believe in creating safe spaces for women and children.

Go-Bag contents:
1) Pantyliners (2)
2) Tampons (2)
3) Hair ties (2)
4) Shaving Razor
5) Notebook
6) Pen
7) Toothbrush
8) Toothpaste
9) Dental Floss
10) Topical Pain Reliever sample
11) Comb
12) Maxi Pads (2)
13) Deodorant
14) Hygiene wipes (2)
15) Bandaid

*Each Go-Bag will contain the same thing. Go-Bags are available while supplies are in stock only and not for sale. Any donations made towards the Go-Bags are not tax deductible. If you would like the name of your company or your name listed as one of 'Bella's Friends' that has contributed to this cause, make a note with your contribution. Each bag costs about $5 to make. Buy a bag today!
Go-Bags for children will be made available if possible.

To make a contribution click the button below or send a payment to a friend using Bella@BellasApothecary.shop as the contact email.