Grab bags provide vital support for women fleeing domestic abuse

15 October 2026

‘Grab bags’ containing essential items for women fleeing or experiencing domestic abuse victims have been provided by West Mercia Police, as part of an initiative aimed at supporting victims and strengthening links with local communities.

Inspector Jodie Davies, who works in the Prevention Hub and has 25 years’ service in policing, organised the initiative after seeing an opportunity to use charitable funding to support people disadvantaged by crime.

The project was supported through the PC Fund, with bags given to Herefordshire County Council, Shropshire Council, Telford & Wrekin Council, and Worcestershire County Council.

A total of 100 bags were distributed across the four local areas, with 25 provided to each.

The bags contain basic toiletries including toothpaste, toothbrushes and shower gel, as well as items such as a nightie and socks.

The aim is to provide women arriving at refuges with everyday essentials they may need after leaving their homes at short notice.

Jodie said leaving an abusive relationship can be an incredibly difficult decision, and that having access to basic items can provide a small amount of comfort at a challenging time.

“Women can be at rock bottom when they make the decision to leave a relationship,” she said, adding: “To flee somewhere safe and have a bag of things that we take for granted can make a difference.”

Domestic abuse

She added that the bags were about more than the practical items inside them.

“It’s not about knowing who it’s gone to. It’s just knowing that it’s available.”

Jodie said the initiative was particularly important during the summer football tournament, having previously seen research highlighting the link between major football events and domestic abuse.

Research by Lancaster University found domestic abuse cases increased by 38 per cent when England lost a match and by 26 per cent when England won.

As a football fan herself, Jodie said it was frustrating to see a sport she enjoys potentially contributing to an increase in harm against women.

“For me, it’s frustrating that football can - in some cases - actually cause more harm to women,” she said.

Initiative

The initiative is also close to Jodie’s heart because of her wider commitment to tackling offences against women and supporting victims.

She supports the White Ribbon campaign, which seeks to challenge violence against women and promote positive change.

Jodie hopes the initiative can be repeated and expanded in the future, including at Christmas if further funding can be secured.

She said initiatives such as this also play an important role in building relationships between policing and the communities officers serve.

“It’s great to have this opportunity to be able to support people,” she said.

“It’s a great thing to do, and hopefully it will help and support people.”

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