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Could you help someone escaping Domestic Abuse??????

58 replies

Mamazon · 17/11/2009 18:43

As im sure your all aware Domestic abuse is a massive problem in our society and resources to help women escape are scarce.
On MN alone there are many many women that are either struggling to leave or have finally left and are now struggling to get settled.

Now Mehdismummy has given me a most fantastic idea and i am keen toput it into action, but i need the help of all of you most fabulous MNers. we all know how generous you are -me more than most- and so i am counting on you to help get this off the ground.

I have an enormous cupboard at my house (it is about the size of a box room almost) and with your friends i hope to fill it with little bits and pieces that women could use as essential items when they first leave. things like clothes, nappies, kettles, pots and pans etc etc.

When a woman leaves these items are invaluable in those early days so i would put together "first day" boxes and post to them.
they could be tailored to theh individual needs of the people in general but basically they could offer a but of support to cover them until community care grants and other funds kick in.

It would be my hope that once we have a core amount of "stock" we could even get a few bits to help from MN supporting businesses.

Now theh idea was only put to me this afternoon so i haven;t quite ironed out all theh kinks but what do we think? anyone have any other bits of advice or things to think about?? or even anything they think they could possibly donate?

OP posts:
RubysReturn · 17/11/2009 19:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

mrspnut · 17/11/2009 19:05

I can provide some up to date advice and so on if you'd like. I work for Women's aid and would suggest that if people have items to donate that they contact their local branch first to see if they want them.

I know we do provide practical help, money and items to help people who are fleeing domestic abuse whether they use our refuge services or not but not all branches are able to do that.

Wilts · 17/11/2009 19:00

Would you consider taking donations via paypal etc??

I would certainly be happy to try and send on some of the boys clothing, but am not sure I would have any household stuff around that would be any good.

Mamazon · 17/11/2009 18:59

yes i had also thought of some information packs.
Am currently going through some legal info to try and get some easily digestable bits and pieces that i can use to form some booklets. im certainly no IT wizard!

I would be more than happy to store paperwork for people if they sent it sealed up. I usually advise people to send it to a friend just in case but i know that thats not always possible.

the toiletries is also another great idea. some people are able to plan their escape so pack essentials but may not think of things like make up.
tampax and MAP - also brilliant ideas.

ooh i have such a good feeling about this.

OP posts:
Mamazon · 17/11/2009 18:54

i would like it to be a permenant thing.
if you go and renew your kettle or toaster send me the old one and i can keep it stored for one of these ladies.

It could help people in need for other reasons as well of course (thinking of Trinity's situation)

My hope is thaht rather than lots of individual appeals that can make some people feel a little numb to the cause (if they are constantly seeing appeals they feel less inclined to donate - and also may only wish to donate to people they "know")

This way i would hopefully be able to build a store of basic items that could be sent out almsot immediatly.

School uniforms would be a great help!

OP posts:
RubysReturn · 17/11/2009 18:52

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

RubysReturn · 17/11/2009 18:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

cocolepew · 17/11/2009 18:50

I'd be happy to post on clothes/school uniforms. Is it going to be an ongoing thing?