Free emergency essentials kits for people fleeing domestic abuse have been packed and delivered by the team from Amazon in Wakefield, in partnership with West and North Yorkshire police, and the Employer's Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA).

EIDA and 40 volunteers from Amazon in Wakefield provided 100 grab bags to West and North Yorkshire Police, who will issue them to people who have had to leave their homes at short notice. Police forces are often the first point of contact for people impacted by domestic abuse.

Maureen Cummings of Wakefield Council was also in attendance in her capacity as the new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Officer, forming part of the efforts to reduce domestic violence in the district.

The kits contain new mobile phones with credit, toiletries (including sanitary towels, toothbrushes, and toothpaste), non-perishable snacks, emergency children's items, notebooks, writing materials, a whistle, and a mini torch. Amazon sourced the items and packed the kits in partnership with the Employer’s Initiative on Domestic Abuse.

“Having to leave home to avoid abuse is an unfortunate reality for too many people,” says Amy Marshall from North Yorkshire Police. “When they come to us, we want to assure them that they are safe, supported and heard,” she continues, speaking on the initiative. “These kits from Amazon and EIDA give us an additional way of supporting people. They mean that we can give people back some independence while we investigate the abuse. Phones are often required as evidence in these cases, so having a backup is incredibly important for helping people keep in touch with their support networks during stressful circumstances.”

Gill Fedorov, the General Manager from Amazon in Wakefield, adds that “Being a positive presence in the community means meeting the needs of the people living there. Providing emergency essentials kits for people impacted by domestic abuse in our area is our way of saying that we are standing with our neighbours when they’re in need. When you live securely,” Gill observes, “it’s easy to take the items in the kits for granted. But in such challenging circumstances, they become essential items to help people through a tough time.”

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here