In a world where accidents can strike at any moment, it's essential to be prepared for any scenario. That's why many people opt to have a 'go bag' readily available, filled with essentials to grab in a hurry. Whether it be a natural disaster, a fire, or even a relationship crisis, having a go bag can provide a sense of security and preparedness.
One Redditor, Sadhusbandry, came across his wife's go bag and immediately became defensive. He accused her of not trusting him, which led to a breakdown of faith in their relationship. Little did he know that a go bag is not just about distrust– it can be a vital safety precaution in abusive relationships.
Unfortunately, violence in relationships is more common than people might realize. Shockingly, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by their partner in the United States alone. That translates to over 10 million men and women every year. While it's hard to anticipate ending up in an abusive relationship, it's important to recognize the signs. Often, individuals who exhibit violent behavior behave perfectly in the beginning, making it challenging to avoid such situations.
Recognizing the importance of go bags in abusive relationships, husband and wife team Charley and Tracy Vega dedicated themselves to educating people on when to grab a bag and go. The Vegas are experts in violence prevention and survival and run a self-defense workshop called 'Simple Self Defense for Women.' In their workshops, they teach people to escape an attack instead of trying to fight back, making personal safety more accessible.
For individuals in abusive relationships, the Vegas emphasize the need to be prepared and have a go bag packed in advance. The contents of this bag can mean the difference between life and death. First and foremost, gathering important documents such as identification, passports, Social Security cards, and driver's licenses is crucial. These documents provide proof of current residence and help establish personal identity.
The Vegas also recommend leaving personal cell phones behind and including a prepaid disposable phone in the go bag, as they are harder to track. Carrying cash can be essential for emergencies, such as securing a hotel room or paying for transportation. It is also wise to include spare keys to both the car and home and have essential items for the entire family in the bag.
In a clever twist, the Vegas suggest adding some of the abuser's things to the go bag. If questioned about it, one can simply refer to it as an emergency kit for natural disasters. However, if there is someone trustworthy who can hold onto the bag, leaving the abuser's belongings with them would be the safest option.
To further protect important documents, Ellen Siler, CEO of Hubbard House, a shelter for domestic abuse victims, advises leaving copies of important documents outside the home. If a violent partner takes them and they were the only copies, it can set the person back to square one. Additionally, it's crucial for women to be aware of 'tracker apps' installed on their phones without their consent, adding yet another reason to leave the phone behind.
It's important to understand the significance of go bags in abusive relationships and the potential life-saving impact they can have. Being prepared and having a plan can provide a glimmer of hope and safety in the midst of a difficult situation. Domestic violence is a serious issue, and it's crucial that we support and educate those who might find themselves trapped in such circumstances.
