Charli Howard announced as Refuge ambassador on Human Rights Day

Model, author and activist Charli Howard has been announced as a celebrity ambassador for Refuge this Human Rights Day (December 10). 

Refuge, the largest specialist domestic abuse organisation in the UK, will be partnering with Charli to campaign for an end to domestic abuse while raising awareness of Refuge’s lifesaving services for survivors.  

Charli has fronted numerous major fashion and beauty campaigns and published two novels. She is renowned for championing women’s rights and body positivity, and in the past year, has worked closely with Refuge, promoting the charity’s summer appeal and sharing her own experiences of domestic abuse to show survivors that they are not alone. 

The announcement comes on International Human Rights Day, which is the final day of the UN’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign – an annual activation calling for an end to the epidemic of violence against women and girls (VAWG). 

Everyone has the right to live free from fear of abuse and violence, but domestic abuse and VAWG remains at horrifically high levels. 1 in 4 women in England and Wales experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, and every two minutes, someone turns to Refuge for help. Refuge provides a range of vital services for tens of thousands of survivors every year, including emergency accommodation, community services, and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline. 

Charli Howard said: 

“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.” 

Refuge’s Chair of Trustees, Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, said:         

“Refuge is thrilled that Charli is joining us as an ambassador. As we come to the end of the year, we are reflecting on all that we have achieved on our way to eradicating domestic abuse, but we know that there is still a very long way to go. We look forward to continuing our work with Charli, and all of our ambassadors, and together, we will keep striving to ensure every survivor feels seen, heard, and supported.”