Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, Refuge’s Chair of Trustees, said:
“Refuge is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart who worked alongside Refuge for decades raising awareness of domestic abuse and bravely speaking out about his own lived experience in childhood. Patrick became a Refuge ambassador in 2007, and I was privileged to watch his endless devotion and passion to the cause. He told me he did the work in honour of his mother and in lending his voice he raised much needed awareness of the cause and broke down barriers and taboos on the subject.
He empowered other survivors to come forward to speak out about the domestic abuse they had experienced and raised vital awareness of the long-standing impact domestic abuse has on children. He was extremely generous with his time, attending events and raising much-needed funds for Refuge’s lifesaving and life-changing services and his distinctive powerful baritone voice led to policy change and better support for survivors – vitally the passing of the Domestic Abuse Act in 2021 which recognised children as victims of domestic abuse in their own right.
He was very proud of the work he did with us and leaves an important legacy behind, he will be sorely missed by Refuge colleagues past and present.”
Cherie Blair KC, Refuge Ambassador said:
“I was deeply saddened to hear of Patrick’s death. We first met when I hosted an event for Refuge at Chequers in 2007. I remember being profoundly moved as Patrick read his account of growing up witnessing his father’s violence towards his mother, and the devastating impact it had on him as a child.
At that time, it was unusual for a man, particularly someone as famous and respected as Patrick, to speak so openly about domestic abuse. His courage in sharing such painful personal experiences helped to break the silence surrounding domestic violence and reminded us that its consequences extend far beyond the immediate victim to the children who witness it.
But Patrick’s life also demonstrated something enormously important: the cycle of violence does not have to continue from one generation to the next. Rather than allowing his childhood experiences to determine his own behaviour, he used them to become a powerful advocate for women and children experiencing abuse.
Patrick understood how important it was for men to speak out against violence towards women. His support for Refuge was not simply lending his famous name to a worthy cause. It was a deeply personal commitment, sustained over many years.
He was not only a wonderful actor but a man of great humanity, compassion and courage. I will remember him with enormous affection and admiration, and his contribution to Refuge will be an enduring part of his legacy.”
