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The Queen has personally backed The Independent’s campaign to build a safe refuge for women and children fleeing domestic abuse.
Camilla has been a long supporter of women escaping abusive partners, and a vocal critic of violence within the home.
In a major intervention, she has now made a substantial private donation to the innovative Brick by Brick appeal, which is raising money for a safe, secure home for domestic abuse survivors.
The Independent has teamed up with charity Refuge to raise £300,000, which will create a haven for women, their children and any pets.
The Queen responded after Dame Joanna Lumley appealed to the nation to “be a brick and buy a brick”. Each £15 donation buys a brick, and work has already started on the foundations, thanks to The Independent’s generous readers.
A monumental £100,750 has already been raised, but more is needed to complete the project.
Be a brick, buy a brick and donate here or text BRICK to 70560 to donate £15
An adviser to the monarch said she would “take a keen interest as the plans evolve” and described such safe spaces as “vital in providing a lifeline to those at their lowest ebb”.
As thousands of women across the UK face danger in their own homes, one woman is turned away every two hours from a refuge because of a lack of space or capacity.
Since the campaign launched 10 days ago, The Independent has reported on the plight of numerous women who have experienced being trapped in terrifying relationships with nowhere to turn.
Among them were *Esther, who was held hostage for a week by her abuser, and Emma Armstrong, whose partner repeatedly threatened her with revenge porn if she left.
BBC star Victoria Derbyshire described how her father used to beat her mother – at one point breaking her ribs – and revealed that he once threw boiling soup over the presenter when she was a child.
Camilla has put domestic abuse front and centre of her work, both before and after becoming Queen.
After she made her donation, the Queen’s adviser said: “Her Majesty has long campaigned for greater awareness and support for the victims of domestic and sexual violence, and was therefore greatly encouraged to learn of The Independent’s brilliant initiative.
“Safe spaces for victims are so vital in providing a lifeline to those at their lowest ebb, and one can only imagine the additional toll for those who have special needs.
“The Queen has been delighted to make a personal contribution towards your goals, and I know she will take a keen interest as the plans evolve – brick by brick – as you help build a safer tomorrow.”
Among the celebrities who have also backed the campaign are Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Patrick Stewart, Cherie Blair, Olivia Colman, and David Morrissey.
Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, chair of trustees at Refuge, said she was delighted that Camilla had backed the campaign.
“We are so grateful for her support. In January this year, Her Majesty visited Refuge’s Gaia service in Lambeth, speaking with survivors who bravely told their personal stories of lived experience with domestic abuse.
“I know this is an issue very close to the Queen’s heart, and her pledge to our Brick by Brick campaign in partnership with The Independent will ensure we have even more services survivors can turn to, enabling them to rebuild their lives following domestic abuse.”
The Queen has devoted herself to highlighting violence against women for over 10 years, and has undertaken numerous engagements to learn more about the issues and meet survivors.
As the Duchess of Cornwall, she became patron of the UK charity SafeLives in February 2021, and launched its photography exhibition, titled I Am: Portraits of Survivors of Domestic Abuse, in Manchester.
During the Covid-19 lockdown, she shared a message of support for domestic abuse victims, following a surge in the number of cases reported to helplines.
She has also visited Refuge, and hosted a reception at Clarence House in 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of the charity.
As Queen, she hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace that same year, bringing together individuals and organisations who are working to end violence against women.
She is set to star in an ITV documentary airing later this year that follows her work. The programme will include footage of her never-before-seen private meetings with survivors.
Camilla’s support for The Independent’s campaign will help domestic abuse victims rebuild their lives – brick by brick.
*Name has been changed
Please donate now to the Brick by Brick campaign, launched by The Independent and charity Refuge, to help raise £300,000 to build a safe space for women where they can escape domestic abuse, rebuild their lives and make new futures. Text BRICK to 70560 to donate £15
The national domestic abuse helpline offers support for women on 0808 2000 247, or you can visit the Refuge website here. There is a dedicated men’s advice line on 0808 8010 327
