The Independent has teamed up with domestic abuse charity Refuge to launch an appeal to raise £300,000 toward the development of a home for women and children fleeing domestic abuse.
The ‘Brick by Brick’ campaign – backed by celebrities including Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Patrick Stewart, Olivia Colman, Dame Joanna Lumley, Andi Oliver, and David Morrissey – will help to build a refuge, constructed by Persimmon Homes.
“I am so proud that this campaign is going to result in having The House The Independent built… with a lot of help from our readers and supporters. It will be a campaign with a permanent legacy as we build a house Brick by Brick for the most vulnerable in society, women who are victims of domestic abuse, said Geordie Greig, Editor-in-Chief at The Independent.
“This is a terrifying situation for too many people and we are delighted to partner with Refuge who specialise in helping this vulnerable section of society. I hope to create debate and put this crisis at the top of the political agenda to bring about greater awareness in the long term and provide sanctuary as soon as we can. Brick by Brick we promise to bring change.”
The campaign will see The Independent publish news and features about Refuge’s work, and stories from survivors, in a bid to educate the public about different forms of abuse and provide information about the support available. This will be backed by an ad campaign that will run across all of The Independent’s site and newsletters, social media, and TV, as well as posts across the celebrity, Refuge, and Persimmon channels and staff initiatives.
Brick by Brick is a response to a crisis that continues to be of massive concern. The statistics are shocking:
A quarter of women are affected by domestic abuse in their lifetime, with one woman killed by an abusive partner or ex every five days – on average – across England and Wales. Each week, approximately three women die by suicide as a result of domestic abuse.
Since the coronavirus pandemic, calls to Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline have surged by 61%. This equates to someone turning to Refuge for help every two minutes.
“Right now, thousands of women in the UK are scared for their lives in their own homes. Fearing the sound of their partner’s key in the front door. It takes an enormous amount of courage – and planning – to flee an abuser. However, even when the decision has been made, there can be additional barriers that make escaping complicated,” said Abigail Ampofo, Interim CEO at Refuge.
“For practical reasons, communal refuges aren’t the right option for all survivors – for example, if they have larger families or a pet. As a result, many women have no choice but to stay home where their life is still at risk. This is why we’re delighted to be partnering with The Independent and Persimmon to raise £300,000 to build a safe, secure home where women escaping abusive partners – can find their freedom and sleep safely.”
To support the campaign, visit Refuge’s appeal page or text BRICK to 70560 to donate £15, with every pound donated going toward building the home.
