The Duchess of Cornwall battle against domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is the type of violence that occurs in a domestic setting, such as in marriage or cohabitation and has different forms such as physical, emotional, sexual and economic abuse.

The abuse is mostly committed by a partner in an intimate relationship against the other, and can take place in heterosexual or same-sex relationships, or between former spouses or partners. Sadly, this issue occurs all over the world, in various cultures and affects people of all economic statuses.

As The Duchess of Cornwall said in a recent speech: "Of course, it is not only men who abuse and It is not only women who are abused.  Let’s not forget that this is a complicated issue.  And we need to acknowledge that society also plays a part."

"Maybe it’s too simplistic to say that it fosters a culture of violence and early sexualization.  But the society in which we live is the backdrop for our behaviour. Young people don’t set out to become abusers.  We need to teach our young men and women what healthy and loving relationships are, and that it is never ‘OK’ to treat anyone with less than respect."   

Camilla has been raising awareness about the issue of domestic violence for over 10 years and has visited many domestic violence refuges in the UK & overseas.

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One of Camilla's patronages is Savelives, a UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse. Every year, over two million people in the United Kingdom experience domestic violence and they shouldn't have to wait until they're in crisis before everyone pays attention.

From their foundation to their first major strategic review 10 yars later, SafeLives was focused on increasing safety for the primary adult victim.  Every woman has the support of an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (Idva) that walked alongside her to understand her specific situation, acting as an advocate on her behalf.

Afterward, these women situations are addressed by a Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (Marac), where the Idva worked with other agencies to create a safety plan to meet the needs of her and her children.

In 2017 and 2018 these vital processes, the Idva and the Marac, led to coordinated safety planning for over 60,000 adult victims of abuse and more than 100,000 children. 95% of the adult victims supported were women, who are disproportionately affected by domestic abuse.

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Another fantastic institution supported by The Duchess of Cornwall is WOW (Women of the World). Launched by Jude Kelly in 2010, WOW Festivals aim to celebrate women and girls by raising awareness of the issues that prevent them from achieving their potential and discussing solutions together.

The charity has reached over two million people in 17 countries on six continents across more than 80 festivals and events including in Australia, Brazil, China, Finland, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Somaliland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Recently, the Duchess took part in WOW Festival’s Grand Opening Session: Domestic Abuse - Everyone’s Problem, where she launched her first  hashtag: #everyonesproblem.

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"For these reasons and more, it is absolutely fitting that “Domestic Abuse: Everyone's Problem” is the opening event of this year’s Festival." 

"As President of WOW, I must confess that I am delighted you have chosen such an important topic to focus on first.  I believe discussing domestic abuse is just one example of WOW’s ability to bring us together to talk about things that matter.  Each one of us must play our part and WOW can show us the way."

"On this tenth anniversary, as WOW’s proud President, it’s a huge pleasure to be here today.  But I’m also here as a woman in her seventies, who (as a somewhat ancient technophobe) is not always familiar with some of the jargon younger people use today, but I do know about ‘hashtags’!  And now I am using my very first one:  #everyonesproblem. Domestic abuse is everyone’s problem and the solution must be too."