Camilla’s promise to domestic violence victims on Refuge charity visit

The Duchess of Cornwall has vowed to continue helping victims of domestic violence during a visit to Refuge.

Camilla met a number of survivors at a centre in the London area and heard how the charity has supported them throughout its 45-year history.

She also spoke to its patron, Sir Patrick Stewart, who thanked her for the work she was doing.

The Duchess said: “It is the least I could do to come. I like to do everything I can to help.

“Coming to see places like this, I can actually see that something is happening. It is very encouraging.”

The actor described seeing his mother abused after his father returned from the Second World War with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

He said: “It is the shame that accompanies it that I remember most. In those days nobody could talk about it.

“I heard a policeman say ‘It takes two to make an argument, Mrs Stewart’.”

As Sir Patrick presented the royal visitor with a thank-you card, handmade by a child from one of Refuge’s services, Camilla said: “You just don’t know it is happening. Until I got involved six months ago, I had no idea just how many women had been affected, and children.

“And I just hope I can do something to help.”

When he told her she already had, she said: “Well, I shall keep on trying – I promise.”

Refuge supports 3,800 women and children escaping abuse on any given day and the Duchess met three women who had accessed its specialist services, including its independent sexual advisory service and one of its outreach programmes.

Melanie Clarke, who endured 15 years of emotional and physical abuse at the hands of her ex-partner, told Camilla: “Thanks to Refuge, I could see my future.”

The Duchess also heard from Hayden and Melony Slack.

Hayden’s pregnant sister, Rachael Slack, was murdered by her ex-partner in 2010, along with her toddler son, Auden. They expressed their gratitude at the help they received from Refuge, particularly when preparing for the jury inquest into the deaths.

When thanked by Camilla for raising awareness about domestic violence, Mr Slack said: “If Rachael was alive, she would be doing the same thing.”

Refuge chief executive Sandra Horley said it had been a “huge honour” to welcome Camilla.

She added: “Domestic violence remains a taboo issue. By joining us today, the Duchess is helping to end the silence that surrounds domestic violence.

“Refuge wants to send a public message: domestic violence is an insidious crime which must no longer be tolerated or ignored.”

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