Queen Camilla has joined forces with an all-female production crew to release a compelling new documentary that delves into the harrowing reality of domestic abuse. Titled 'Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors,' the film follows Queen Camilla as she meets survivors of abusive relationships, including individuals from various backgrounds such as a member of the UK parliament, a senior police officer, and a former Miss England.
The documentary aims to raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence, a cause that Queen Camilla has been passionately advocating for over the years. In 2020, she became the patron of the domestic abuse charity 'Save Lives,' and in 2017, she gave her first TV news interview on the subject.
According to UK government data, a woman is tragically killed by a current or former partner every five days in England and Wales. The film emphasizes that violence may not always be evident in abusive relationships until it is too late to save the victim.
The documentary highlights the insidious nature of coercive control in domestic abuse, with perpetrators often targeting victims who may not appear obviously vulnerable. Chief Inspector Sharon Baker of Avon and Somerset Police, a survivor featured in the film, shared her own experience of initially keeping silent about her abuse due to misconceptions about victims of domestic violence.
Baker's decision to speak out inspired over 130 other survivors within her police force to come forward, underscoring the prevalence of domestic abuse. She stresses that coercive control, a criminal offense in England and Wales since 2015, is a significant predictor of future violence.
Queen Camilla, in her documentary, acknowledges the progress made in addressing domestic abuse but emphasizes the ongoing need for further action. She vows to continue her efforts until the scourge of domestic violence is eradicated.
The documentary aims to spark conversations about coercive control and empower individuals to speak up if they have concerns about their relationships. Resources for those affected by domestic violence are available through UN Women and national agencies listed by The Pixel Project.
