In June 2019, I started volunteering at the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (run by Refuge). I answer calls from women who are experiencing domestic and sexual violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, stalking, trafficking, or so-called ‘honour’ based violence.

You may think domestic violence is something of the past or unlikely to touch women in your life. Here are some sobering facts: 

• One woman in four will experience domestic violence at some point in her lifetime
• Two women are killed each week in England and Wales by a current or former partner

Children too suffer from this unacceptable situation as 20% of them in the UK have lived with an adult perpetrating domestic violence.

The hardest part of my volunteering is not listening to women sharing their stories; it is knowing that we receive so many calls that we can't answer them all. 

That is why, on Saturday 8th of August 2020, I will (try to) complete the London Olympic Triathlon (yes, that is how much time I need to train), fundraising for Refuge.  On any given day, refuge supports around 6,000 women & children escaping domestic violence. By kindly sponsoring me today you are helping to save and change their lives.