Just because trying to finish my PhD in the middle of a global pandemic didn't quite feel like enough of a challenge - I will be running 100 miles in February for Refuge. I took up running in 2020 and hope to get through a half-marathon before I finish my PhD but in case I don't manage that, I have decided to do this instead. Anyone who knows me knows that not only is working towards the prevention of sexual violence in the future but supporting victim-survivors of sexual violence now is something I see as incredibly important. 

Refuge opened the world’s first refuge in Chiswick, West London, in 1971. It is now the country’s largest single provider of specialist accommodation and support to women and children escaping domestic violence and other forms of violence and abuse. On any given day Refuge supports more than 6,000 women, children and men.

Refuge provides emergency accommodation through a national network of refuges, alongside many other specialist services, including the freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247. Refuge also offers community-based outreach services, culturally specific services and a team of independent domestic violence advocates (IDVAs), which supports women at the highest risk of serious injury or homicide. Refuge also runs award-winning media and advertising campaigns to raise public awareness of the issue and campaigns and lobbies for better provision for women and children experiencing domestic violence.

On any given day, Refuge supports 6,500 women and children. Just £10 could provide a woman arriving at a Refuge with the support she needs for her first night. Every £1 makes a difference. Thank you!

xxx