Merseyside Police is supporting a new national initiative in partnership with Amazon, which will see emergency “grab bags” distributed to survivors of domestic abuse who are forced to flee their homes, often with nothing.
Delivered in partnership with Amazon, the Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA), Vodafone, and The Multibank the initiative is currently being rolled out to all 45 police forces across the UK, providing free adult and children’s grab bags filled with essential items such as toiletries, clothing, and comfort items. These bags are designed to offer immediate support and dignity to those in crisis.
Officers from Merseyside Police attended a packing event at Amazon’s Kirkby facility earlier this week, where a dedicated team of Amazon volunteers gave their time to prepare the bags. The force will initially receive 30 adult bags and 18 children’s bags.
Detective Chief Inspector Sue Hinds, from Merseyside Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People Unit said: “This initiative may prove to be a lifeline for those who have to leave everything behind to escape abuse. The grab bags provide not only practical support but also a message that they are not alone. Seeing the dedication of Amazon’s volunteers was fantastic and we’re happy to support them in helping some of the most vulnerable in our communities.”
Merseyside Police, together with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell recently launched a major campaign using the experiences of victim-survivors to raise awareness of the red flags of domestic abuse, specifically coercive and controlling behaviour, as part of an ongoing commitment to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls. It marks the second phase of the ‘Taking Action’ campaign launched last September.
For more information or to report domestic abuse, visit www.merseyside.police.uk/vawg or call 101.
In an emergency, always dial 999.