News

Refuge, the UK’s largest domestic violence charity, responds to media coverage of Grace Millane’s death. In response to the ongoing press coverage concerning Grace Millane’s death, Sandra Horley CBE, Chief Executive of the national domestic abuse charity Refuge said: ‘Refuge is shocked and saddened by the recent coverage of the murder trial of Grace Millane. It is reckless and irresponsible to frame her death as anything other than the result of grievous violence, perpetrated by a sexual partner. Her sexual preferences are irrelevant and need to be removed from any discussion surrounding the circumstances of her death. Of course, Grace … Continue reading →

“We are pleased that the Domestic Abuse Bill remains firmly on the Governments agenda for the upcoming parliamentary session. This is testament to the hard work of many across the sector and to the many survivors of domestic abuse who have been willing to talk about the horrific abuse they have experienced, in anticipation of helping to secure change. Continue reading →

In response to the second reading of the Domestic Abuse Bill today, Sandra Horley CBE, Chief Executive of national Domestic Abuse charity Refuge said: “Refuge is pleased that Robert Buckland presented the Domestic Abuse Bill for its second reading in Parliament today. This Bill is many years in the making and the product of incredibly hard work across the sector. The Bill has the potential to transform the response to domestic abuse –  but to be effective, Refuge hopes to work with Government to make sure the Bill goes further. Statutory funding for refuges is essential. Women must be able … Continue reading →

In response to the announcement today that the Government intends to bring forward a second reading of the Domestic Abuse Bill to next week, Sandra Horley CBE, Chief Executive of the national domestic abuse charity Refuge said: ‘Refuge is delighted that the Government has today announced that the Domestic Abuse Bill will progress to second reading in parliament. Domestic abuse is the biggest issue affecting women and children in our society and this legislation represents an unparalleled once in a lifetime opportunity to save lives. In England and Wales, two women are killed every week by a current or former … Continue reading →

Sandra Horley CBE, Chief Executive of national domestic abuse charity Refuge said: ‘We are delighted with the appointment of Nicole Jacobs as the UKs first Domestic Abuse Commissioner. Nicole has a terrific history of championing women’s rights and supporting survivors. Having had the pleasure of working with Nicole here at Refuge and her work at Standing Together we believe she will do a brilliant job and will ensure survivors and their needs are front and centre of her new role. We now need to see assurances from the Government however that, as previously promised, they will legislate for this role … Continue reading →

In response to the domestic homicide statistics released today, Sandra Horley CBE, Chief Executive of national domestic abuse charity Refuge said: ‘These statistics are truly horrifying. Domestic violence is a national travesty and the biggest issue facing women and girls worldwide. At Refuge we know only too well what happens when violence against women and girls goes unchallenged, and these statistics should be a wakeup call for politicians and the criminal justice system. Now more than ever, violence against women and girls must be taken seriously. But change will not happen without pressure, and we know that women and girls … Continue reading →

Responding to the release of statistics on homelessness, Sandra Horley CBE, Chief Executive of national domestic abuse charity Refuge said: ‘Between April 2018 and March 2019, more than 22 thousand survivors had to leave their homes as a result of domestic abuse. This is a shocking statistic and one which reaffirms what we already know: that statutory funding for refuges must increase, and those fleeing domestic abuse must be granted priority housing status. As the law currently stands, fleeing domestic abuse does not automatically qualify you as being in urgent need of rehousing. This is unacceptable and in some cases … Continue reading →

Refuge responds to Crown Prosecution Service Violence Against Women and Girls report. In response to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) report, Sandra Horley, Chief Executive of national domestic abuse charity Refuge said: ‘These statistics are sadly not a surprise – but they are nonetheless extremely disappointing. More and more women are reporting rape, yet numbers of prosecutions and convictions have reduced dramatically. What kind of message does this send to women and girls? That they won’t be believed? That their experiences are will be trivialised? That their voices are not valid? Additionally, there has … Continue reading →

Responding to the news that Geoffrey Boycott has been awarded a knighthood, Sandra Horley CBE, Chief Executive of national domestic abuse charity Refuge said: “The news that Geoffrey Boycott has been awarded a knighthood is shocking and disappointing. It also sends an extremely concerning message: that violence against women and girls is tolerated, and even rewarded. Across the UK two women every week are killed by a current or former partner, and one in four women experiences domestic violence at some time in their life. Awarding an honour to a man convicted of domestic violence serves to trivialise and normalise … Continue reading →