Ambassadors
These passionate women and men lend a human face and voice to the cause of ending domestic violence — and we’re grateful for their support.
Meet our ambassadors who use their voices and influence to shift perceptions of abuse and support survivors.
Sir Patrick Stewart OBE
Ambassador
“As a child I witnessed repeated violence against my mother – but there was nowhere to go for help. The truth is, domestic violence is protected by silence. More women and children, just like my mother and me, will continue to experience abuse unless we all speak out against it.”
Dame Helen Mirren
Ambassador
“Refuge is an established and experienced charity which has always been at the forefront of understanding and dealing with the terrible outcomes of domestic violence. They have helped countless women and their families in their darkest hour, when it must have seemed as though life would forever be nothing but fear and loneliness. I am proud to be an ambassador of this remarkable charity.”
Cherie Booth QC
Ambassador
“As a young barrister I represented many women who had been brutally beaten by their husbands. Refuge’s work is invaluable to the thousands of women it supports each year. Yet it cannot solve the problem alone. Every one of us must take responsibility for challenging domestic violence.”
Olivia Colman
Ambassador
“My eyes were opened to the issue of domestic abuse when I portrayed Hannah in Paddy Considine’s film Tyrannosaur. When I was preparing for that role, I became aware of the vital work that Refuge do and gained a greater understanding of what women experiencing abuse go through. It’s been impossible for me to turn away from this widespread issue since then, something that sadly we know will impact 1 in 4 women across England and Wales in their lifetimes.”
Ranvir Singh
Ambassador
“As a journalist I know how common domestic abuse is. In England and Wales, one in four women will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime. Throughout my career I have seen how misogyny underpins so much violence against women and girls, and how pervasive domestic abuse is. Refuge’s work, ensuring all women and children can live a life free from abuse and fear is one that strikes a chord with me, it’s a hugely important cause and I’m grateful to be able to work with Refuge to raise awareness and create much-needed change for women and girls.”
Nikita Kanda
Ambassador
"I’m extremely pleased to announce I’ll be working with Refuge on a cause that is so close to my heart. I know personally the impact domestic abuse can have on families and it’s so important to me to be able to use my voice and reach to talk about this issue. I’m passionate about letting women and children who may be experiencing abuse know they are not alone and to be part of this movement that is campaigning for a future in which domestic abuse is not tolerated."
Helena Kennedy QC
Ambassador
“Throughout my career as a barrister I have come across many issues and incredible charities doing great work for those that need it the most. Violence against women and girls is an issue that has remained at the forefront of my work over the years, and the stats are horrifying”
Billie Piper
Ambassador
"Refuge provides life changing and lifesaving services for women and their children experiencing domestic abuse. The pandemic really put into focus the dangers for women who were trapped at home with their abusers, and we need to make sure this issue isn’t forgotten about now lockdowns are behind us. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Refuge to help improve understanding, education and awareness of domestic abuse and support their fundraising work which ensures their essential services are able to continue running so that women who need Refuge's support are able to access it."
Sharon Gaffka
Ambassador
“As a young woman, I’ve seen and experienced just how common the misuse of technology has become, and how it is being used to abuse and harass women. My experience of online harassment and trolling began at the age of fourteen, only to be amplified when I began to have a public profile. Before I became a public figure, I worked in Westminster, and so I have a unique insight into the ways in which policy and practice can better protect women and girls, and how my work as an influencer can help shape that necessary legislative change. Refuge’s work is increasingly important, and I will be standing alongside them to call for action.”
Alex Scott
Ambassador
"It is an incredible honour to be joining Refuge as an ambassador. I first started working with Refuge following the launch of my book, in which I opened up about my experience of domestic abuse as a child. Since then, I have learned so much more about the scale of domestic abuse in society and the impact sharing your experience can have on fellow survivors. As an ambassador, I want to use my platform and voice to spread awareness of domestic abuse and ensure that women know what support is available to them."
Rosemary Reed
Ambassador
“I am passionate about women and want to do everything I can to help end domestic abuse. My successful career in the entertainment industry has allowed me to build a wealth of connections, which I am looking forward to utilising in my work with Refuge. I look forward to working closely with the Fundraising Team, supporting them in expanding their networks, generating income, and building greater awareness of domestic abuse."
Saffron Hocking
Ambassador
“When I received the script for the new series of Top Boy, I quickly discovered that my character was going to experience domestic abuse. I knew immediately that I’d need to do my research, to learn as much as I could about this issue, which would help me portray a survivor, and I wanted to get it right. Representing those real-life women who have experienced traumatic things like coercive-control, and economic abuse was so important to me, and it is a responsibility I take very seriously. Refuge helped me to understand the realities of domestic abuse and I’ve learnt so much and continue to learn more every day – sadly, this is a societal issue that needs continuous attention and support – it's not going away anytime soon."
Ellie Bamber
Ambassador
“Even though 1 in 4 women in England and Wales will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, this devastating issue is still not talked about enough. This is why I am working with Refuge to help survivors know that support is available to them and that they deserve to live free from fear. Refuge provides a lifeline for thousands of women and their children every year, and I am thrilled to be joining their celebrity ambassador programme so that we can work to not only support survivors, but campaign for a world where domestic abuse is not accepted.”
Chanita Stephenson
Ambassador
“As the global 16 Days of Activism campaign begins, I am thrilled to be officially joining Refuge’s celebrity ambassador programme after a year of working closely with this lifesaving organisation. From supporting Refuge’s summer campaign to sharing my own experience of domestic abuse as a child, this past year has offered so many opportunities to raise awareness and help survivors know that they are not alone. However, our work is not finished. Having grown up in a household with domestic abuse, I know first-hand the devastating impact abuse can have on survivors. 1 in 5 children in the UK have lived with an adult perpetrating domestic abuse. Along with Refuge, I want to continue working towards a future where domestic abuse is eradicated and all women and their children are able to live free from fear.”
Charli Howard
Ambassador
“Throughout my career I have always strived to advocate for women, so with 1 in 4 women in England and Wales experiencing domestic abuse in their lifetimes, working alongside leading domestic abuse charity Refuge to raise awareness and create real societal change is incredibly important to me. I know all too well how isolating it can be when you are experiencing abuse. However, by working with Refuge, I hope I can help survivors realise that they are not alone. Refuge provides lifesaving support for thousands of women and their children every year, and I am honoured to be part of their mission to help as many survivors as possible.”