Galentine’s Day, the day before Valentine’s, is a celebration of female friendships and sisterhood. This year, Her Majesty’s Hustlers want to make it extra special by riding to raise money for Refuge. 

Refuge provide specialist support to women and children escaping domestic violence and other forms of violence. The charity’s specialist services include refuges, independent advocacy, community outreach projects, culturally specific services and the 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline. Refuge supports around 6,000 women & children on any given day.

Tragically, 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse at some time in their lives. 90% of domestic abuse happens in the presence of a child. Two women are killed each week in England and Wales by a current or former partner. 

Refuge have seen a huge increase in demand for their services since the various lockdown measures began so it is more important than ever to highlight and support the life saving work they do.

This February 13th, our UK women’s Peloton team “Her Majesty’s Hustlers” will be setting individual mileage goals and all donating ourselves to take part in this event. We aim to have a strong presence on every live cycling class on that date, to push ourselves to new distances and, crucially, to do it all whilst raising money for this important charity. Hopefully friends and family will support us too.

Lisa King, Refuge’s Director of Communications and External Relations spoke to The Telegraph in January about the current lockdown: 

“During earlier lockdowns, Refuge saw a spike in demand for its services. We were able to respond fast, ensuring our services remained open and remained safe.

We have answered more calls and contacts over the last few months and have set up new ways in which women can access support. While we know that lockdown doesn’t cause domestic abuse, we know it can aggravate pre-existing abuse behaviours. Abusive partners often use isolation as a form of control to heighten their abuse.

This will be a very distressing time for the many thousands of abused women and children and Refuge wants to send them this very strong message – support is available. We are here for you.”

£15 could give a woman arriving at a refuge the essentials she needs for her first night.

£25 could go towards providing emotional and practical support to women and children affected by domestic abuse.

£52 can provide one night of safe accommodation for a woman escaping domestic abuse.

£156 can provide three nights safe accommodation for a woman escaping domestic abuse. 

How much money will we be able to raise?

Thank you as ever for your support. We couldn’t do it without you.

Let’s go girls!

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Those facing abuse can call Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247, or visit nationaldahelpline.org.ukto access live chat.