Refuge launches Summer Escape Appeal

Refuge launches Summer Escape Appeal as 18,000 people expected to reach out to the domestic abuse charity in July alone. 

Domestic abuse charity Refuge have launched a major appeal for summer in order to support more domestic abuse survivors to flee their abusive partners. 

The charity has shared that 18,000 people are expected to reach out to them for help and advice in the month of July alone. 

The campaign highlights how, for many women, domestic abuse can intensify in summer. Campaign materials include testimonials from survivors supported by Refuge that showcase the fierce courage needed to escape an abuser. The campaign includes out of home and online advertising and is backed by long-term celebrity ambassadors for the charity including Cherie Blair and Helena Kennedy. 

Abigail Ampofo, interim CEO at Refuge said:  

“Domestic abuse happens all year round, but we know when the weather is warm and people are away enjoying their summer holidays it is a social issue that is often forgotten. The summer months can add increased stresses for women and their children experiencing domestic abuse that make it harder to seek support and even more necessary that they know where to turn. We want to be there for everyone that needs our help but we can only do that with the generosity of our supporters. We know many families are feeling financial pressures right now but we’re asking, if you can, please consider a donation to our Summer Escape Appeal.”  

Amara*, a survivor of abuse speaking about the need for support in the summer, said:  

“In the summer everybody’s out, you’re trying to explain to your child why you’re not and avoiding certain things like family fun days. It affects your relationship with your child. 

They used to have summer fairs going on, there would be events and singers and performers, and it would be a really fun time, I’d have to explain to my child that we can’t go, even though their friends are going. I knew my ex’s family were in the area, and they would go and report back.  

It starts off with avoiding certain places that you know are going to be heaving with people, and then it becomes avoiding events – and before you know it the places where it’s safe for you to go are really limited. But it’s hot, and you want to be outside, and you want to be able to enjoy the summer, the sun and take your kid for an ice cream and do normal things.  

It’s unsustainable to be living like that for a long period of time, to have so much of your life dictated by somebody else.” 

Briony*, a survivor of domestic abuse said: 

“I think the heat gets to them a bit. They really feel the need to clamp down on you, because the abuse is all about the power they have over you, and they feel the need to really exert that.  

He threatened to throw substances in my face, just because I was at the park, a ninety-second walk from my front door. My kid was talking to a neighbour’s kid, we were both pushing them on the swing. Because I was standing next to a man, apparently I was flirting. He drove past, he saw me and he said – get inside, now. And that was it – all hell broke loose. 

We were kept under a curfew, so we were only allowed out a couple of hours a day, and not every day. We would have to run it by him and tell him where we would go or who we were going with first.” 

Esther*, a survivor of domestic abuse said: 

“The first time I felt free was when I turned up at a refuge. I arrived, walked into the room that I was allocated and I broke down and said to the worker ‘is this all for me?’ It was a little self-contained room with everything I needed. I felt such relief that I nearly collapsed. 

I now see my family often – I was estranged and isolated from them for years. I appreciate that I get to make my own decisions and wear what I wish.  I appreciate that I have control of my finances. I appreciate that I get to be ME with no judgement and that I can be loved, as for years I was told no one would love me.  I appreciate that I’m sitting here in my little flat, which is my safe place, look out the window and see the sun and trees and that I’ll shortly be heading out to go to a job that I love.  I appreciate that I was given a chance to have a life that I love. It doesn’t get better than that. I appreciate waking up without fear. I thank God every morning for that.” 

Refuge Ambassador Cherie Booth CBE, KC, said: 

“On average, it takes a survivor of domestic abuse seven attempts to leave her abuser before she is able to leave for good. Leaving an abusive partner is a process, not a single act. The risk of serious assault and domestic homicide is highest for a woman after she leaves an abuser and yet people often say “Why didn’t she just leave?”  

It takes enormous courage for a woman to reach out and get support when experiencing domestic abuse. Refuge aims to be there every step of the way. It is not easy but there is hope, bit by bit she will rebuild her life, make her own choices, and have the freedom to live her own life. Please support Refuge’s summer escape appeal to ensure more women can make that journey free from abuse and fear.” 

Refuge Ambassador Helena Kennedy LT KC, said:  

“One in four women will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lives in England and Wales, and every five days one woman will be killed by an abusive partner or ex-partner. This is not counting the women who devastatingly die by suicide because they feel that is their only way to escape the control and fear permeating their lives.  

The statistics are horrifying, in July alone, Refuge expect over 18,000 women will turn to them for help. We must stand together for all women and turn the tide to ensure women and their children are able to get to safety and receive the support they deserve.” 

People can donate to the campaign by visiting this page.

All of the money raised will help fund Refuge’s life-saving services so they can listen, believe, understand, plan, organise and use their expertise to help women and children escape to safety.  

• £5 a month could help keep the National Domestic Abuse Helpline running throughout the year
• £15 could pay for a burner phone and sim card for a woman whose phone has been compromised to ensure the refuge team can communicate safely with her
• £25 could help a Refuge key worker to be there for her and her children as she recovers from shock and exhaustion after her escape
• £30 could pay for a taxi booked directly by refuge, so when a woman escapes she can’t be traced.

ENDS. 

• Please link to Refuge’s summer appeal page here: https://refuge.org.uk/summer-escape-appeal/  

• Donate to Refuge’s appeal: https://donate.refuge.org.uk/page/153152/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=SUM_2407_PR_C    

• Further survivor testimonials and interviews about experiencing abuse in the summer months and support from Refuge, available on request 

• Campaign visuals and imagery are available on request. 

• *Names changed to protect survivors’ identity