“Hello there! I’m here to provide you with a bit of information on building a safety kit, to be prepared for an instance of violation or violence. I would like to remind you that suggestions on this post should not be taken as medical advice, legal advice, therapy, etc. or as a one-size-fits-all approach. Keep in mind that every individual’s journey of experiencing and navigating through stress or trauma is distinctive because you are one of a kind and no person is truly like you! Experiencing abuse in any form is NOT OKAY, but what you are experiencing as a result of abuse is valid. Please know that healing is not a formula and is not for anyone else to define for you. You do you, and you follow all that you need to follow, to help yourself. If you need additional resources or just someone to talk to, feel free to reach out to Imaara Foundation."
(Image source: Cinestaan.com)
If you’re looking to build an emergency kit to help you as you leave a situation where you’ve faced violence or have been exposed to threats of violence, here are a few things you can consider saving in your bag:
Leave your emergency bag hidden at home or with a trustworthy friend/relative.
You could also have multiple bags in different locations to ensure that you can access one wherever you are. Do not leave it at your parents’ house if they are not fully behind you leaving.
This is only an indicative list. Do remember that your own needs come first, so anything you deem necessary for your safety, self-care and priorities should be part of your kit:
Sets of spare clothes
Clean underwear
A toothbrush and toothpaste
Soap
A blanket
Some towels
Tissues / handkerchief
A Swiss Knife
Money as Cash
ATM / Debit Cards
Cheque Book
Phone numbers of friends and trusted relatives you can count on
Phone numbers and addresses of organizations which can help you
Originals and copies of important documents (personal identification, birth certificates, passport, driver’s license, school and medical records, title deeds for your properties, insurance papers, tax returns, banking documents)
Extra keys for your car and house
If you want to carry a safety kit with you wherever you go to deal with potential instances of violence and harassment in public spaces or other spaces you are privy to, it could comprise the following tools:
Tissues / handkerchief
Panic Button (tech-based or sound-based device, if you need one)
First aid kit
Pepper Spray
Swiss Knife
Oral Rehydration Solution Sachets
Zip-lock bags in different sizes to save evidence
Sanitary pads / Tampons / Menstrual Cups
Disposable Underwear / Clean spare underwear
Wet Wipes
Dry Towel
Carry-on Water Bottle
Notebook
Pen / Pencils
Permanent Marker
Hand torch with batteries
Spare batteries
Spare phone with full charge
Functional ATM Card with a PIN
A pair of scissors
Elastic / Rubber bands
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