Our Champions
You may recognise them from TV, movies and magazines, but for us they are essential voices in the fight against domestic abuse.
Champions who are using their influence to speak out and support survivors of domestic abuse.
Aisling Bea
Champion
I am so pleased to be supporting Refuge and their mission to end domestic abuse. I was shocked to learn that two women a week are killed by their current or former partner in England and Wales. I know that through raising awareness, tackling myths, changing attitudes and helping to change the law, victims and survivors can feel supported and seek justice without feeling like they are being punished by the system which is supposed to protect them.
Richard Herring
Champion
"I am honoured to support the fantastic and sadly essential work that Refuge does. I have heard and read so many amazing testimonies so know that they are not only changing, but saving lives. The team at Refuge are an inspiration and let’s face it, the real champions here.”
Lorien Haynes
Champion
"As a survivor of abuse myself, I know from experience how painful it is to speak out; the impact it can have on your family. Women’s voices and survivors’ stories are often side-lined. The people closest to you may not be able to believe you. The law may take too long to support you. That’s why the work Refuge do, the 24/7 phone line they provide, is literally a lifeline for women and children."
David Morrissey
Champion
“My work with Refuge came about because I wholeheartedly believe that everyone has the right to live free from violence and fear. Living in safety – especially in your own home – is a basic human right.”
Wendy Turner Webster
Champion
“Everyone has a right to live a life which is free from violence and over the years I have realised that silence is a victim’s biggest enemy. I want to give other women enough courage to pick up the phone and ask for help… because once a victim starts talking to Refuge they are on the road to being a survivor.”
Chanita Stephenson
Champion
“I’m thrilled to be announced as a Champion for Refuge. As a social worker I regularly worked with women and children who had experienced domestic abuse and I saw the impact this had. I have also been open about my own personal experience of domestic abuse which is what inspired me to become a social worker and to now use my platform and voice to speak about this issue for myself and so many others. One in four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime so increasing awareness, education and understanding about this issue is vital.”