How to help mums and kids
HEY there stranger.
I don’t usually take an interest in other people’s bathroom habits but tonight I’d like to interrupt your ablutions.
To be truthful, I don’t really want to watch you shower or bathe, but I’d love to ask you to think about your bathroom routine without shampoo, body wash or even a face washer.
And now have a think about not having those essentials when you’re bathing your child.
It’s pretty bleak isn’t it? Sadly, this is a reality for tens of thousands of women Australia-wide each night who are forced from their homes by violent abusers.
They rough it in cheap hotels, caravan parks and even tents until it’s safe to return home.
Can you imagine choosing between spending your few meagre dollars on food for your kids or soap and shampoo?
Not long ago, with no cash and just three bags of clothes, mum-of-three Danielle had to make some hard decisions so she could bathe and feed her 14-month-old baby and
nine-year-old twins while on the run from their violent dad.
“I sold my jewellery to provide for my kids’ personal care needs,” she said.
“We had no soap or shampoo and only one pack of nappies and wipes.”
Angela is a domestic violence survivor who drove for eight hours to escape her abuser.
“I lived on noodles and Weet-Bix for five days,” she said.
“I only had motel-provided shampoo and soap – it felt degrading.”
The RED HEART Campaign is collecting donations of toiletry care packs for children and teenagers, and also baby care packs for mums and bubs, so you can help mums like Danielle and Angela.
All you need to do is pick up supplies on your next shopping trip and deliver them to any Queensland Liberal National Party MP’s office or you can contact The RED HEART Campaign (0412 274 801 or theREDHEART Campaign@hotmail.com) for alternative drop-off points.
Visit the Red Heart Campaign page on Facebook to find out what the packs should include.
Sherele Moody is a journalist with News Corp and the founder of The RED HEART Campaign.