Content warning: this story includes details of family violence.
Baby Cara* and her mum survived terrible violence. When they fled to a refuge, all they could take was a bin bag with some of their belongings.
When the police came to help Susan* and her nine-month-old baby Cara escape a violent home, they gave her a bin bag and 60 seconds to pack.
She was given one minute to pack everything she needed to get herself and her baby to safety. All she could manage in the chaos were some clothes from a drawer, her passport, and her phone. Then, it was time to flee.
After leaving their home forever and arriving at a woman’s refuge, Susan realised just how much she’d left behind in the rush. Cara had no spare nappies. She had no toys. No blanket for comfort.
Escaping years of family violence
Before Susan fled with baby Cara, she’d endured years of horrific violence. The violence chipped away at her self-esteem until she believed she ‘deserved it’.
Almost every day, Susan’s partner said that if she ever left him, he’d find her and kill her. So, she stayed and got used to the fear and pain. When baby Cara was born, Susan promised her precious little miracle that she’d keep her safe. No matter what.
In that violent, terrible house, Susan couldn’t keep her promise.
One night as she was undressing Cara for her bath, Susan noticed deep purple bruises on her baby’s soft little arms. Susan recognised those bruises. She’d had them on her own arms countless times after her partner had grabbed her to shove her against a wall. Susan realised her little girl was in serious danger.
Despite her partner’s threats about what would happen if she left, Susan knew she had to get her baby out right away. Quietly, she called the police.
A long, difficult wait to safety
After escaping their home, Susan and Cara spent the next eight hours at the police station reception while case workers called refuge after refuge looking for a place they could stay.
The hard, uncomfortable seats made Susan’s body ache. And the fluorescent lighting was so harsh Cara couldn’t get to sleep.
But that wasn’t the worst of it.
In the hurry to escape, Susan hadn’t thrown any spare nappies in the bin bag. Cara was wet, uncomfortable and unsettled. Susan hadn’t had time to grab a toy or blanket to comfort Cara either.
All Susan could do was wrap crying baby Cara in her jumper, hold her close, and wait.
An Infant Buddy Bag made the world of difference
When they eventually arrived at the woman’s refuge, there was an Infant Buddy Bag waiting for them.
Susan wept with relief as she unpacked the contents of the Infant Buddy Bag. It had everything little Cara needed to settle during their time there – nappies, wipes, nappy rash cream and a clean new onesie.
The Infant Buddy Bag was also packed with other items to help Cara feel comforted – a cuddly toy, super-soft booties, a cardigan, and a knitted blanket.
For Susan and Cara, the blanket was the most important item of all. After the stress and anxiety of fleeing their home, and arriving at the refuge, Susan wrapped Cara in the soft, snuggly blanket from the Infant Buddy Bag. She cuddled her baby in her arms until she drifted off to sleep.
In that moment, Cara knew she was loved and safe. And Susan knew the worst was behind them.
More babies like Cara need your kindness this Christmas
Every day over the Christmas period, at least 30 children and babies like Cara will be removed from unsafe homes across Australia.
During the Christmas holidays, more mums like Susan will arrive at refuges exhausted, upset, and traumatised. They’ll be carrying little babies like Cara who haven’t slept, have no clean clothes, and are desperately in need of a nappy change.
A $75 donation will provide one Infant Buddy Bag for a baby this Christmas. Please donate now to give an Infant Buddy Bag to a baby like Cara this Christmas.
You’ll help provide an Infant Buddy Bag full of emergency items such as nappies and baby wipes. And extra comforts to help a baby feel calm, cared for and loved. Your gift will mean a tiny baby can begin to heal, recover and thrive.
*This is a true account, but the names have been changed to protect Cara’s safety and privacy.
