Camilla ‘left visibly moved’ after hearing harrowing domestic abuse stories

By The Press Association28th January 2016News EnglandDomestic Abuse / Violence, News England, Victim Support

The Duchess of Cornwall has pledged to try and help victims of domestic abuse after hearing the harrowing testimonies of women who have suffered at the hands of partners or seen loved ones suffer.

Camilla was left visibly moved after the group spoke out about the issue when she met staff and supporters of SafeLives, a national charity which works to safeguard those at risk from harm from partners or family members.

After the five women had spoken about their experiences, the Duchess told them: “All of you going around and talking about it does create awareness.”

She went on to say: “I want to try to do something.”

Rachel Williams, 43, from Newport, described how after 18 years of an abusive marriage she tried to leave her estranged husband – but he blasted her with a shotgun at the hairdressers where she was working in 2011.

Hetti Barkworth-Nanton spoke about her friend Joanna Brown, who was bludgeoned to death with a claw hammer in her home by her estranged husband Robert Brown, as their two young children cowered in a playroom.

British Airways captain Brown was acquitted of murder but jailed for 26 years in 2011 after previously admitting manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

The pair were among five women who spoke at the reception held in central London.

Ms Williams told the guests how she defended herself during the attack, but her 16-year-old son later committed suicide because he could not cope with what his father had done to his mother.

All the women used everyday objects to help tell their stories. Ms Williams held the wristwatch she wore on the day she was attacked, which had stopped at 2.26pm – the time she was shot.

She told the guests how she was first shot in the legs, but the second blast missed her head.

Ms Williams added: “He then put the gun down to reload. I grabbed the gun, a supernatural strength enabled me to hold onto the gun. This watch with the face now frosted is the result of a battle as we fought for control of the gun, as my wrist was dragged in every direction over the floor.”

After the shooting in 2011, Ms Williams’ estranged husband killed himself.

The domestic abuse suffered by individuals can be life-threatening, with more than 100,000 people in the UK at high and imminent risk of being murdered or seriously injured each year.

During 2013-14, 85 women were murdered by their partner or ex-partner in England and Wales.

Ms Barkworth-Nanton is chair of the board of trustees of a foundation established in memory of her friend, which aims to transform the support, care and protection available for children affected by domestic abuse and homicide.

She recounted the abuse her friend had suffered, telling the guests: “He told her he dreamt of killing the children with an axe – she was terrified.”

Mrs Brown later fled her husband and a divorce battle ensued, but when he dropped their children home after a visit, he attacked her with a hammer and later dumped her body in a makeshift coffin in Windsor Great Park.

When the Duchess spoke to Jo’s mother, Diana Parkes, and Ms Barkworth-Nanton, she appeared close to tears.

Mrs Parkes said it was “absolutely brilliant” that Camilla had found time to listen to the stories of the women.

She added: “The Duchess of Cornwall was obviously quite moved by all of us and Hetti spoke brilliantly about my daughter, which was an amazing achievement.

“These women had all been affected by the terrible things that have happened but they were able to speak about their experiences.”

SafeLives’ chief executive Diana Barran, who founded the organisation in 2005, said: “We are hugely grateful to both the Duchess of Cornwall and our victim group for taking the time to explore the impact of domestic abuse.

“It is a damaging and traumatic experience and to talk openly about their stories is remarkably brave.”

Her charity trains domestic abuse professionals, supports local services, and works to improve what happens on the ground for victims.

She added: “We are committed to finding out what works through evidence and listening to local services, and then making sure every family benefits.”