The Duchess of Cornwall has spoken out against domestic violence.
On Thursday Camilla attended a reception for survivors of abuse at Clarence House in London, alongside celebrity campaigners Patrick Stewart and Julie Walters.
The Duchess urged everyone in attendance, including politicians and police representatives to “pull back the shroud of silence” when it comes to domestic abuse.
“Domestic abuse remains a hidden problem in our society,” the wife of Prince Charles began.
Patrick Stewart discusses the serious subject with Camilla.
“It is characterised by silence – silence from those who suffer, silence from those around them and silence from those who perpetrate abuse,” Camilla said.
“This silence is corrosive: it leaves women, children – and men – carrying the burden of shame, it prevents them from speaking out about their abuse and it prevents them from getting help. And at its worst, it can be fatal.”
Camilla, pictured with Prince Charles, has long been a supporter of domestic abuse awareness.
She went on to describe the survivors of abuse she’d met earlier this year as “some of the bravest women I have been privileged to meet.
“I spoke to courageous women who had survived abuse as well as to mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends of those who had been killed.”
“Their silence was broken – but only after a tragedy. I hope very much that today might mark a moment when we start to pull back that shroud of silence.”
Duchess Camilla has always been a passionate charity worker. Watch her host a very special reception below. Post continues.
Patrick Stewart, patron of the charity Refuge and witness to his father’s abuse of his mother applauded the Duchess’s words.
“To hear the Duchess speak and to hear of her support for what Refuge and other groups are doing will have such an impact – that she has spoken out,” he said.
This story originally appeared on Woman’s Day Australia
