Queen meets domestic violence survivors at Swindon refuge

Camilla's visit comes as the King prepares for hospital treatment this week for an enlarged prostate
Robert Johnson22 January 2024

The Queen said on Monday she hoped we can "obliterate" the "horrific" scourge on domestic abuse in the next 50 years.

During a visit to a charity refuge to mark the 50th anniversary of the Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service, Camilla praised their "brilliant" work in helping victims of domestic violence.

She said the charity's work does was "so much more than looking after victims of horrific abuse".

She continued: "It’s looking after the children, getting into schools and teaching respect and working with perpetrators too.

"Thank you all for playing such a important part on the road to obliterating the abuse."

BRITAIN-ROYALS
Queen Camilla reacts during a visit to Jenni's House refuge
POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Queen Camilla, who has worked tirelessly to support domestic abuse charities, met staff, volunteers, families and partner agencies including Wiltshire Police and Swindon Borough Council at Jenni’s House to highlight their work.

The Queen was particularly interested in the Open to Change initiative that works with perpetrators and victims to eradicate abuse in relationships.

Louisa Wrighton, Open2Change manager, said the Queen was pleased when told that up to 75 of the perpetrators they have worked with have not reoffended.

Her team of Laura Howse and Gemma Henshall told the Queen that with finance, they hoped the scheme could be rolled out further.

"Her Majesty was interested in what we do and the detail of how it works," said Ms Wrighton.

The refuge could not be identified for safety issues.

The organisation supports and promotes prevention, education and early intervention, including work with perpetrators.

Royal visit to Swindon
Queen Camilla after unveiling a plaque during a visit to the Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service's (SDASS) in Wiltshire
PA

Queen Camilla also met families living in the refuge and toured a resident’s flat, before unveiling a plaque to celebrate the charity’s 50th anniversary.

She was greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sarah Troughton, and Nicky Alberry, Chair of Trustees of SDASS.

During a short reception, she joined teams from across the organisation, including those who support families in the refuge and women, men and children in the community who have been affected by abuse. 

These include Community Services team, the Refuge team, the Children & Young People’s Team, and the Open2Change Team. 

The Queen then undertook a private visit to a resident’s flat and meet current residents and their children, before joining staff, partner agencies, residents.

The charity opened its first refuge in 1975. 

The current refuge is one of the few purpose-built refuges in the UK offering fully self-contained accommodation. 

In 2019, the charity rebranded as Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (SDASS) in recognition of the fact that domestic abuse affects women, men and children.

The refuge has 20 one, two and three bedroom flats plus two emergency bedsits and can host 22 families at any one time. 

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