Having a go bag can mean a lot of things depending on the context. You may have one because you are chronically ill and you might have to go to the hospital out of nowhere. Some people have them because they have jobs where they may have to quickly pick up and go. Others have them because they are contemplating getting out of a situation, and need to ensure they have the essentials with them.
Why I Packed My Go Bag
I packed my go bag 2 days before I actually ran away from home. This came after contemplating running away twice before. The first time that I thought about running away was the day before my brother’s wedding. I was with my very good friend and I really didn’t want her to leave without taking me with her. But we both were scared and we didn’t know what to do. The second time I thought about running away was the day of my brother’s wedding, after being sexually assaulted and harassed by my ex-husband multiple times. But I didn’t have anything packed and I couldn’t get out with my dog without him noticing. It was then I knew that I probably needed a bag of essentials for when I was in a good moment to run.
I packed my go bag and one for my dog when my ex-husband was on a trip. I was scared that when he got back that he would try to finish what he didn’t accomplish the day of my brother’s wedding. I knew that if he did try to finish it that I would have to get out and I would need certain items.
Essentials To Pack
There are several items that will come in handy and will be necessary for you to pack in your go bag if you are planning on leaving home in a hurry.
- ID, Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, Passport, and any other identifying documents
- Any necessary banking information and available cash
- All copies of your vehicle key if you have your own vehicle as well as your vehicle registration paperwork
- All medical records and vet records
- Charging cables for any devices and those devices (cell phone, watch, tablet, laptop)
- A couple pairs of clothes, any work specific uniforms, and shoes that would be essential
- Any mementos that you could not live without
Remember that this bag is truly for the essentials. The items that you would want to have with you and would be upset if you never got back. The truth is, once you have left, there is no guarantee that you will get anything that you left back. But don’t forget that your safety is more important than all of those items that you leave behind. You can always get new things in the future.
In Conclusion
A go bag is a good start when you are contemplating getting out of an abusive situation. Not having one can often be an excuse to not be able to leave. If you have it, at least you know that you have your essentials and can jump in your car with it the moment you have the wherewithal and strength to leave. Packing this bag is a show of great strength and of recognition that what is going on isn’t okay for you. If you can do this, you can get out of the relationship as well.
