The Kaufman County District Attorney’s Office is asking residents to join a community-wide effort to support survivors of domestic violence by donating items for emergency “Go Bags.” These bags are distributed when a victim—sometimes with small children—must escape a violent situation quickly and without time to gather belongings.
Kaufman County District Attorney Erleigh Wiley stated “In the United States, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men have been victims of severe domestic and intimate partner violence. In Forney alone, we’ve seen a 52% increase of domestic violence incidents from January to October 2024 compared to the previous year. Many of these survivors must flee their homes at the first opportunity, sometimes leaving with nothing more than the clothes they are wearing.
This reality has led the Kaufman County District Attorney’s Office to launch a new effort collecting basic necessities for Go Bags that can be handed directly to survivors in crisis.
I am asking residents, churches, businesses, and community groups to donate simple, everyday items that are urgently needed. We will use the donations to create Go Bags that can be handed out by law enforcement and victim services whenever someone is freed from a dangerous environment, sometimes leaving with small children in the middle of the night.
Please consider donating: Toothbrushes • Toothpaste • Shampoo • Conditioner • Body Wash • Deodorant • Feminine Products • Phone Chargers or prepaid phones items • baby items such as pacifiers, diapers, baby wipes • and items for young children such as small toys or clothing items. All items can be dropped off at the DA’s Office in the Kaufman County Justice Center.
If you are thinking of leaving an abusive relationship, you do not have to stay quiet. You do not have to stay afraid. Your community is here.”
The District Attorney’s Office will assemble the bags and distribute them through law enforcement and victim advocacy personnel. Advocates say these items provide comfort, dignity, and immediate relief in situations where a survivor might have only minutes to leave.
Donations can be dropped off at the Kaufman County Justice Center, 1902 E. US Highway 175, Kaufman, during normal business hours. The phone number for the Kaufman DA is (469) 376-4760.
Local officials say even one donated item can make a difference for a survivor starting over in a moment of fear and uncertainty.to the previous year.
