Kym Marsh to lead Crime+Investigation’s #HereForHer campaign to support victims of domestic abuse

It comes after Refuge charity saw an increase in calls to its National Domestic Abuse Helpline during lockdown.

Actress and presenter Kym Marsh has agreed to front a new campaign by Crime+Investigation, aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse.

The new campaign will mark a second year of partnership with Refuge to End Abuse. It comes in light of the huge increase in demand for the Refuge helpline and emergency accommodation following the nationwide lockdown.

Speaking about her involvement, Kym said, “Many people still believe that domestic abuse is a private matter and many victims of domestic abuse feel isolated from friends or family due to their abusive partners, and feel like they have no one to talk to. That is why I’m championing the #HereForHer initiative to let those victims know there is a community of support available to them, even if they feel like they have nowhere to turn.’’

READ MORE:Domestic abuse: the signs to look out for and where to find help

What are the statistics of domestic abuse?

Crime+Investigationlaunched itsEnd Abuse Against Womeninitiative in partnership with domestic abuse charity Refuge in November 2019.The initiative focussed on educating and fundraising around the cause of domestic abuse. It also drove awareness of important life-saving support services that Refuge provides across the country.

Domestic abuse is one of the biggest social issues affecting women and children in the UK today - withone in four women experiencing domestic abuse at some point in their life - police receive a domestic abuse call every 30 seconds.

Andtwo women are killed every week by a current or former partner in England and Wales alone.

READ MORE:UK rail networks introduce new scheme to support victims of domestic violence

Kym added, ‘’Domestic abuse is a crime and initiatives like Crime+Investigation’s #HereForHer are absolutely vital to raising much-needed awareness of an issue that has huge knock-on effects across society. And to raise much-needed funds to support the hugely important work Refuge does through their national Helpline and emergency services.”

Around 74% of Brits agree there is a lack of awareness of the effects of domestic abuse in the UK, following a poll of 2,000 adults, carried out earlier this year.

Lisa King, Director of Communications and External Relations at Refuge said:“Education is still crucially important to help women identify the signs of abuse, escape violence, and rebuild a life for themselves and their children.”

READ MORE:Hairdressers partner with Women’s Aid to help tackle domestic violence

How can you help domestic violence victims?

Just a donation of £10 could provide an Emergency Parcel which contains the necessities such as toiletries, food, and clothing to ensure that a woman escaping a life-threatening situation can have a first night in a refuge. To donate text TEN to 70490 to donate £10. Texts cost £10 plus standard network message rate.

The #HereForHer initiative will run until 25th November, during this time it willshowcase inspirational testimonies of domestic abuse survivors, compelling video interviews with helpline workers and refuge providers, and educational pieces about the warning signs and types of domestic abuse.

Kym will also be fronting a brand new four-part true-crime series,Murder at My Door with Kym Marshfor Crime+Investigation, premiering on the channel on 2nd November. The series delves into the stories of those that unknowingly opened their door to evil with tragic consequences, as told through the eyes of those they left behind.