Duchess Camilla shares a powerful message to those suffering abuse while in isolation
By Heather Cichowski
The world is facing uncertain, scary times with the coronavirus pandemic. We're being encourage to stay home so we can be safe. But for victims of domestic violence, things are even more frightening because many have been forced to self-isolate with their abusers.
Duchess Camilla wants everyone to feel safe at home, wants them to know they have and can access resources and has shared her support to those who might be suffering.
The Duchess of Cornwall released her powerful message on March 27 via Clarence House on Instagram.
"This is a hard time for everyone, as we are all asked to stay at home to stay safe. But for some of you it is even harder, because home is not a safe place," she said.
"I can only imagine that being asked to stay there could feel very isolating and frightening for you and your family.
"It may mean spending more time with the person who is harming you."
The duchess makes it clear that those who are suffering abuse are not alone, and there is help.
"If this is your situation, or you are worried about someone else, I want you to know that you are not alone," she continues.
The 72-year-old goes on to list resources where people can get assistance, including helplines across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The Instagram posts also directs those who are in immediate danger to contact the police.
"Even
if you cannot leave your home, you can call the National Domestic Abuse
Helpline or contact one of the domestic abuse charities. Please stay
safe and get help," she ends the note.
MORE: Here's how Prince Charles is doing after his coronavirus diagnosis
The post also includes online resources about staying safe during COVID-19 from SafeLives, a UK charity striving to end domestic abuse. Camilla has worked with the charity.
If you are in Canada and are suffering abuse, or know someone who is, you can refer to these resources from the Government of Canada.
Emerging evidence related to the coronavirus pandemic shows an increased risk of domestic violence and workplace violence in the healthcare sector, as well as an increased risk of racial and sexual violence online and in person, according to some of the resources.
The duchess at a reception for the 15th anniversary of SafeLives at Clarence House on Feb. 12, 2020 in London. She also gave a speech at the event. Photo: © Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images
The Duchess of Cornwall has long spoken out against domestic violence and about removing the stigma from those who have suffered it.
As the President of WOW (Women of the World), she gave a speech at the beginning of March against domestic abuse and launched a new digital campaign, featuring the hashtag #everyonesproblem, to break the taboo of talking about it.
"The campaign to end domestic violence needs the voices of men, as well as women, challenging the cultural, economic and political context in which we all experience the world. We will all benefit from building a society which will simply not tolerate this heinous crime any longer," Camilla said, according to HELLO! UK.
Similarly, Princess Madeleine of Sweden has taken to social media to lend her support to children who might be suffering because of COVID-19 isolation and quarantines.
"At this moment in time my thoughts are with the children around the world and those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Swedish police there is now a significant increase in sexual abuse of children online," she began. "Just as handwashing helps to prevent spreading the Coronavirus, caring adults are essential to protect children from abuse and exploitation, both online and offline."
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"As an adult, you have a very
important role in these times of uncertainty, for your own children and
for those of others."
Like Camilla, Madeleine shared online resources that will hopefully aid people in this difficult time.
Camilla's powerful message comes after it was announced Prince Charles had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week. His symptoms are reported to be mild, according to Clarence House, and he continues to work from his Birkhall home on the Royal Family's Balmoral estate in Scotland.
Clarence House made the announcement on March 25 that Prince Charles, 71, tested positive for the coronavirus. Photo: © Andrew Matthews-WPA Pool/Getty Images
Charles and Duchess Camilla – who tested negative for the virus and continues to monitor her health – is self-isolating separately at Birkhall.
