Escape bag checklist

If you are going to leave a relationship, deciding what to take with you is an important step in creating a safety plan.

Safety planning is a way to think about and develop a plan of action for when things are unsafe. Our safety planning checklist page offers practical tips for creating a plan with the help of a family member, friend or support service.

Using the escape bag checklist, you can create a list of things that you might want to take with you in an escape bag if you are planning on leaving a relationship. You can choose things that are important to you and include names of services and friends. 

To find services where you live, you can use the 1800RESPECT service directory.

If you would like support with making a safety plan, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit our website for online chat and video call services – available 24/7.

Asking a friend or family member for support to create an escape bag checklist may be helpful. Together you can follow these steps to create your own checklist, share it with other support people and plan what you need to take with you.

• Domestic, family and sexual violence can happen to anyone, regardless of age, cultural background, sexual orientation or physical ability
• If you are experiencing violence, consider making a safety plan. A support service or trusted friend may be able to help you with this
• The Escape Bag Checklist can help you plan the contents of an Escape Bag, which may form part of your Safety Plan
• Go to the Escape Bag Checklist tab and choose the things you would like to add to your list
• Select 'important contacts' and add their details. Daisy can help connect you to support services
• Add contact details of your support people and let them know you may be calling on them
• Save your list and share with your support people
• Copy important documents and pack your escape bag
• When you're ready to take the next step contact your support people to enact your Safety Plan. 

Escaping a violent relationship is not easy. Support is available to help you.

Here are some useful links on our website where you can find information about:  

• Financial support services, including the Leaving Violence Payment: Financial support services | 1800RESPECT 

• Housing support services, including emergency accommodation: Housing | 1800RESPECT 

• Domestic, family and sexual violence information in 30 languages: Languages | 1800RESPECT 

• Frequently Asked Questions about 1800RESPECT: Contacting 1800RESPECT Frequently Asked Questions | 1800RESPECT 

Escabags 

Escabags is an Australian registered charity that provides free 'Escape Bags' filled with the necessities that a victim-survivor of domestic or family abuse and their children may need when initially escaping an abusive or dangerous situation and seeking further support. 

Their 'Escape Bags' are available via 1,600 stockists nationally, including police stations, health and community centres and other privately owned businesses. Visit their website to find out about local organisations that stock ‘Escape Bags’.