Footy, Phone Bills & Flee Bags
I was doing what we all sometimes find ourselves doing, mindlessly scrolling - when I saw a headline that made me stop mid-scroll. “Domestic violence rates expected to spike more than 40% during tonight’s Origin game.”
Wait… what? That stat alone was enough to make my stomach drop. After writing recently about Queensland’s new coercive control laws (read that blog here), I couldn’t click fast enough.
The story, shared on 7News, is actually about a woman named Stacy Jane - a survivor of domestic abuse who endured a coercive control relationship and turned her experience into something incredibly powerful: Escabags.
What’s an Escabag?
Escabags are discreet, pre-packed escape bags filled with essentials like toiletries, phone credit, and other items to help women flee dangerous situations quickly and safely. They’re stocked in partner organisations across Australia and given out no questions asked.
It’s heartbreaking that this kind of resource is needed - But it’s also so inspiring to see someone like Stacy turn her own trauma into something that could literally save lives.
The Origin Link – And My Own Lounge Room Reality
Here’s the thing that really hit me. I watched Origin the other night too. I was at home, curled up on the lounge with my dog, snacks within arm’s reach, enjoying the game in total peace. I didn’t think twice about feeling safe in my own home. Why would I? And now - reading this - I realise just how lucky that makes me. Because while I was relaxing and yelling at the screen (classic), thousands of women across Australia were bracing themselves. Not for a footy tackle - but for a night where the stats say domestic violence is expected to surge by over 40%.
It makes me ask: What is it about Origin night that triggers this kind of spike in abuse? The drinking culture? The tension? The way sport can sometimes be used to excuse toxic masculinity and violent outbursts?
Whatever it is - it’s not okay. And we have to keep talking about it.
Big props to Optus
I’ve got to give a shoutout here to Optus, who have come on board to support Escabags. Along with being a stockist, they’re donating free prepaid SIM cards to go inside every single bag, giving women a way to communicate safely without being tracked. As someone who’s usually pretty grumpy about my phone bill, I’ll admit it feels good to know my next payment is backing something so worthwhile.
Need help? You’re not alone
Please know this: there is help! There are people who will believe you, and there are more and more safe pathways out there thanks to incredible humans like Stacy. Support services over on my Resources page.
Let’s keep talking.
Because talking about it is one of the ways we fight back. Talking leads to funding, to services, to safer futures. And hopefully, one day, to less need for Escabags at all.