Two Gatton Police personnel, who have been putting together Domestic Violence (DV) Crisis Packs to assist vulnerable women, have now expanded their assistance to vulnerable children and men.
Constable, Kimberly Allen said she first had the idea when responding to a domestic family violence issue in her community.
“While attending a particular DV job, it was highlighted to me that in some instances, perpetrators withhold personal care items such as sanitary products as a form of control over the aggrieved,” Constable Allen said.
“I’ve also witnessed women without the means to purchase such items due to household monies being withheld as a form of economic financial control,” she said.
Constable Allen decided to gather some of these personal care items from her own home and put together a few packs to be held at the Gatton Police Station for aggrieved women when needed.
She shared the idea with Administrative Officer at the Gatton Station, Tracey Eelkema.
Ms Eelkema had previously worked as a DV support officer and had a keen interest.
“Tracey and I often purchase a few items that are on special each week while doing our personal grocery shop,” Constable Allen said.
“Friends, family and some community members are also supporting our initiative by donating items to help support DV-aggrieved women and we have now expanded our range to include packs for aggrieved children and men.”
She said the packs were all individual in content, but typically included a toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and hair conditioner, sanitary products, hand lotion, body lotion, cotton buds, tissues, hand sanitiser and a face mask.
Constable Allen said the children’s packs included colouring-in pencils, tissues, socks, stationery, activities and snacks.
All the items are paid for by Constable Allen and Ms Eelkema, or donated by friends, family or community members.
Anyone wishing to contribute can deliver or post items to Gatton Police Station.
