Refuge support 3,000 women and children escaping domestic violence on any given day through a range of life-saving and life-changing services. Refuge are committed to a world where domestic violence is not tolerated or ignored. 

I am a survivor of domestic violence and the first call I ever made was to the National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline, run in partnership between Refuge and Women's Aid.

In light of the financial challenges Refuge is facing, with their services under threat, this is a chance to give back. My goal is to raise £120, enough to cover two nights of emergency accommodation for women and children escaping domestic abuse and violence. Please support Refuge by sponsoring me today -  because there are so many others still to help. But I implore you to only help if you can.

A personal note: Before my experience, I didn't fully understand the power of denial, both of individuals and collectively, in society. Two years ago, I took the photo I've shared here and filtered it, and filtered it again, because I figured that if I couldn't see my bruised eye, nobody else would either. Of course, just because we don't want to see something, doesn't mean it isn't there. If anyone reading this is in need of help, acknowledge it, reach out, don't hesitate, please. It gets better. To everyone else, please amplify our voices and don't shy away from the conversation. It is still so necessary.  

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.