Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall tells domestic abuse survivors ‘you are not alone’ in heartfelt letter

‘We must also remember there are those for whom the lockdown of fear and abuse remains,’ writes Duchess

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The Duchess of Cornwall has written a supportive letter to survivors of domestic abuse.

Writing in The Guardian, Camilla explains how she found it “deeply troubling” that there had been an increase in domestic violence cases since the start of lockdown.

“Six months ago, our country went into lockdown. Almost immediately, we saw both the best and the worst of human behaviour,” she wrote.

Camilla went on to say how it is thought that cases of domestic violence have gone up by 20 per cent since March.

Meanwhile, helplines such as Refuge have also reported a major spike in the number of calls.

“While many aspects of our lives are now slowly returning to some kind of normality, we must also remember there are those for whom the lockdown of fear and abuse remains,” Camilla wrote.

“It is therefore vital that we continue to do everything we can to help them in whatever way possible for as long as is necessary.”

The Duchess went on to address survivors directly: “For any readers in that situation, please know that you are not alone.”

She also referenced her work with the charity Safe Lives, of which she is a patron.

“Over the years, I have been privileged to meet many women, men and children who have escaped domestic abuse and who are determined to tell their stories to save others,” she wrote before discussing one woman in particular named Vicky, who started working for the police after surviving domestic abuse.

“After six months of lockdown, it is clear that Covid-19 is not the only pernicious disease that has been attacking our society,” she continued.

“While many aspects of our lives are now slowly returning to some kind of normality, we must also remember there are those for whom the lockdown of fear and abuse remains.

“It is therefore vital that we continue to do everything we can to help them in whatever way possible for as long as is necessary.”

You can read the Duchess’s letter in full here.

If you need support, you can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, any time of day on 0808 2000 247.

Refuge has a full team working round the clock to ensure as many women as possible who need support are able to access it.

You can follow this link and organise a safe time in which a member of the team can get in touch.