The Wordsmithy has made a Christmas contribution to Refuge in lieu of sending corporate Christmas cards.
With lockdown constraining people’s movements so much in 2020 and confining couples and families to a single space, life has become more difficult and dangerous for women and girls living with domestic violence. In the charity’s own words, “Refuge is committed to a world where domestic violence and violence against women and girls is not tolerated and where women and children can live in safety. We aim to empower women and children to rebuild their lives, free from violence and fear. We provide a range of life-saving and life-changing services, and a voice for the voiceless.”
Refuge opened the world’s first safe house for women and children escaping domestic violence in Chiswick, West London, in 1971. Since then, the charity has campaigned against domestic violence, becoming the UK’s largest provider of domestic and gender-based violence services. Refuge is supporting over 6,000 women and children on any given day.
In 2020, Refuge’s #SafetyInANumber campaign publicised the national domestic abuse helpline number – 0808 2000 247. The charity’s patrons and supporters include Dame Helen Mirren, Cherie Booth QC, Sir Patrick Stewart, Jo Brand, Fiona Bruce, David Morrissey, Lauren Laverne, Helena Bonham Carter and Wendy Turner Webster. Visit the Refuge website to find out why Refuge is a charity that means a lot to them – and to discover more about Refuge’s campaigns and support work.