Tag: Refuge

Survey Reveals Gaps in Nations’ Awareness of Red Flags of Domestic Abuse

Stuart Mitchell

New data commissioned by domestic abuse charity Refuge reveals the scale of domestic abuse is significantly underestimated, with only a quarter of UK adults (26%) aware that 1 in 4 women will experience it in their lifetime. While nearly 80% of people would report physical abuse, when it comes to the less obvious forms of domestic abuse, such as coercive and controlling behaviour, as well as technology-facilitated, economic, and psychological abuse, recognition is far lower. Just 39%1 of people say they would report these less understood forms of abusive behaviour.…

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Refuge calls for tech-facilitated abuse to be a priority in government VAWG strategy

Stuart Mitchell

In the wake of hosting its first Technology Safety Summit, the domestic abuse charity Refuge is calling on the government to make tackling technology-facilitated abuse a key part of its plan to halve VAWG (violence against women and girls). To meet rising demand, Refuge set up a specialist technology-facilitated abuse and economic empowerment service in 2017, the only one of its kind in England. Since then, cases have grown both in quantity and complexity with Refuge reporting a 207% increase in referrals to the tech team compared to its first…

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Billie Piper and Refuge give voice to untold stories of domestic abuse in powerful new film

Stuart Mitchell

Renowned actor Billie Piper has partnered with Refuge for ‘Make the world a Refuge’, a short film exploring the many different forms that domestic abuse can take.  Having starred in a host of films and TV shows, Refuge ambassador Billie will now feature in a short film to highlight the often subtle and insidious ways abuse can show up in relationships.   Launching on the evening of Tuesday 8th October, the film depicts Billie reading real-life testimonies from survivors of domestic abuse, allowing their stories to be heard by protecting their…

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Refuge launch ‘More than Bricks and Mortar’ dispersed accommodation report

Stuart Mitchell

Refuge have launched their ‘More than Bricks and Mortar’ dispersed accommodation repor. “I’m pleased to launch this report into best practice for domestic abuse dispersed accommodation, it is so important that no survivor is turned away from accessing support and that specialist support is accessible for all survivors of domestic abuse and is suited to their individual needs. This research study produced in partnership with Commonweal Housing consulted with survivors, and Refuge frontline practitioners and managers to identify what that specialist support should look like and how we can deliver it within a dispersed accommodation setting, with the aim of developing a best practice model. I’d like to thank everyone…

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Refuge launches online chatbot which provides safe information to thousands of women experiencing abuse through technology

Stuart Mitchell

Refuge has launched an online chatbot which aims to provide safe and accessible information to thousands of women across the country experiencing abuse through technology. In 2019, 72% of women who accessed support from Refuge services identified experiencing tech abuse, which can range from persistent telephone calls from perpetrators, being targeted via social media, having their location tracked or spyware installed in their homes. Refuge is the leading national domestic abuse charity working with survivors experiencing tech abuse, which is almost always experienced alongside other forms of domestic abuse. Refuge…

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