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1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. This International Women’s Day, your donations for Refuge can be the turning point...
This International Women’s Day (IWD), the theme is ‘Give to Gain’ – a reminder that when we unite to uplift women and girls, we create a ripple effect of opportunity, empowerment and lasting change.
Refuge is the UK’s largest specialist domestic abuse organisation, providing lifesaving support through its network of 65 refuges, community-based services, and the 24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline. From providing safe accommodation and specialist support to driving advocacy and awareness campaigns, none of this would be possible without those who support and donate to Refuge.
The figures around domestic abuse in the U.K. are shocking:
3.8 million people aged 16 and over in England and Wales are estimated to have experienced some form of domestic abuse in the last year ending March 2025.
2.2 million female (9.1% of women) and 1.5 million male (6.5% of men) victims.
1 in 4 people aged 16 and over in England and Wales are estimated to have experienced domestic abuse since the age of 16.
Each year more than 75,000 people in the U.K. are at high and imminent risk of being murdered or seriously injured as a result of domestic abuse.
Women are much more likely than men to be victims of severe domestic abuse
92% of people accessing an Idva service were women.
94% of people going to Marac were women.
1.3 million domestic abuse related incidents and crimes were recorded by police in England and Wales, in the year ending March 2025.
Eight women a month are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales.
6.1% of people aged 16 years and over experienced partner abuse by a current or ex-partner in the last year ending march 2025
2.7% experienced abuse by a family member in the last year ending march 2025.
22.5% of people experienced abuse by a partner since the age of 16 years.
8.7% experienced abuse by a family member since the age of 16 years.
Over 105,000 children live in homes where there is high-risk domestic abuse.
You can read more about the Step4Change event here; follow Refuge on Instagram.
Personally, I admire the work Refuge does and how important they are to so many women and children.
I raised funds for them last year and know how important that money is and what impact it can have, so I am hoping to raise as much as possible this IWD by completing the Step4Change challenge.
Even though it is a short distance, the objective and aim is clear: to raise funds for a vital charity committed to combatting domestic abuse, and offering importance resources and lifelines to those desperately in need.