Leaving an abusive relationship can be one of the hardest and most courageous decisions you’ll ever make. If you plan to leave, preparing in advance is important. Having an emergency bag ready can make the process safer and less stressful, ensuring you have what you need when the time comes.
This guide will walk you through what to pack in your emergency bag.
The most important part, though, is that the bag is well-hidden from the abuser and light enough to grab quickly if you need to.
Why an Emergency Bag Is Important
An emergency bag ensures you have essential items to help you:
- Stay safe and comfortable in the immediate aftermath of leaving.
- Access important resources, like identification and money.
- Minimise the need to return to your previous home, reducing the risk of further harm.
- Even if you’re not ready to leave just yet, having a bag packed can give you peace of mind and a sense of control.
A Note on Pets:
If you have pets, the thought of leaving them behind may feel overwhelming. You may be scared of what will happen to them. At Juno, we can make a plan to help you leave and at the same time we’ll get your pets to safety. Your pets will be housed with one of our lovely foster carers until you are reunited in a safe place.
We’ve looked after the usual cats and dogs, but also snakes, lizards and other less usual pets! So, they’ll be in safe hands.
Contact Information for Support Service:
Write down the names and phone numbers of local domestic abuse hotlines, and trusted friends or family members, who can help. Write these down on paper as well as in your phone, in case it gets lost. Having this information readily available can be a huge relief in stressful moments. Remember, our Juno team of friendly women are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and every single day of the year. We are here for you.
- Identification and Important Documents
These documents can be helpful for accessing services, proving your identity, and rebuilding your life:
- Passport, driver’s license, or any form of ID.
- Birth certificates (yours and your children’s, if applicable).
- Social security or national insurance numbers.
- Marriage certificate or divorce papers, if relevant.
- Financial documents like bank statements, credit cards, and insurance policies.
Store these in a waterproof folder to protect them from damage. Don’t worry if you can’t access these items because you need to leave straight away to protect yourself and any children from immediate harm. That is more important. Documents can be replaced – you can’t be.
- Money and Financial Essentials
Having access to money can be crucial when you’re starting over. Include:
- Cash in small denominations for immediate expenses.
- Debit or credit cards in your name, if possible.
- A spare chequebook, if you use one.
If you don’t have access to your own financial resources, don’t worry. Juno will help you work through this.
- Keys and Access Items
Pack any keys you might need, such as:
- House keys (for a safe location, not your current home).
- Car keys.
- Work or locker keys.
If you think your abuser might try to track your car, consider having it checked for GPS devices before leaving. Ask the Juno helpline or email service for advice on this – details on the bottom of every blog entry.
- Medications
Bring any medications you or your children take regularly, as well as copies of prescriptions.
If you can, pack a small first aid kit with essentials like bandages, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes.
- A Phone and Charger
If you have a spare phone, include it in your bag. Make sure to pack a charger (or a portable power bank for emergencies).
If your current phone is being monitored, consider getting a pay-as-you-go phone that isn’t linked to your abuser.
- Comfort Items for Children
If you have children, include items that can help them feel secure during this transition:
- A favourite toy, stuffed animal, or blanket.
- Snacks and drinks they enjoy.
- Nappies, wipes, and formula for babies.
The organisation helping you should have practical things like nappies etc. but a favourite toy, animal or blanket can be very reassuring for little ones.
- A Change of Clothes and Personal Items
Include enough clothing for a couple of days, focusing on comfort and practicality:
- Underwear and socks.
- Casual clothing suitable for different weather conditions.
- A lightweight jacket or sweater.
Add personal items like:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Shampoo, soap, and other basic toiletries.
- Menstrual products, if needed.
But once again, don’t worry if you can’t include these things. There will be some replacements available for you at a safe house if you go there.
- Small Valuables or Keepsakes
If you have items of sentimental value that are small and portable, like photographs or jewellery, consider including them. However, prioritise essentials first, and remember that your safety is more important than possessions.
Snacks and Water
Pack a few non-perishable snacks and a bottle of water for yourself as well. These can be lifesavers if you need to leave in a hurry and don’t have immediate access to food or drink.
Tips for Storing Your Emergency Bag
Hide It Well: Store your bag somewhere your abuser is unlikely to find it, such as with a trusted friend, at work, or in your car (if it’s safe to do so).
Keep It Lightweight:
You may need to grab your bag quickly, so avoid overpacking. The list above looks like it has a lot of items on it, but don’t weigh yourself down. The most important thing is that you can hide your bag and that you can grab it and get out quickly if you need to.
Update It Regularly:
Check your bag every few months to replace expired items and update documents or medications.
Remember, Help Is Available
Preparing an emergency bag is a smart and empowering step, but it doesn’t mean you’re alone. Domestic abuse organisations like Juno are there to support you at every stage. We can place you somewhere safe and help you rebuild your life from there. You – and your children – deserve a good life.
If you’re ready to take the next step or just need someone to talk to, reach out to us. You are brave, and resourceful and deserve a life free from fear.
Juno Help
Our helpline team are friendly and unshockable. They know what abusers do and say. You don’t have to hide anything from them. They are there to support you, and they really want to.
Calls to the helpline are free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK and do not appear on itemised bills.
Helpline: 0808 800 0340
Sometimes our helpline is busy and you might not get through the first time, so please try again. We will always call you back if you leave a message stating it is safe to do so and if you leave us a safe contact number in your message.
If you are hearing impaired, text “Relay/NGT” to 18001 0808 800 0340. This option is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
You can also email us on [email protected] 9 am – 9 pm.
Please note, we may not be able to respond to emails straight away, but will try to reply within 24 hours.
National Help
If you’re further afield, you could contact other charities like Women’s Aid, who have instant messaging and email contact on their website: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247) also provide confidential support. They can help you make a safety plan, find safe housing, and access legal protections.
The deaf health charity Signhealth also runs a domestic abuse support service, DeafHope, using British Sign Language (BSL).