The Independent and Refuge today announced that the Brick by Brick campaign has reached its goal, thanks to support from readers, businesses and globally recognised faces. Two homes will now be completed for women and children fleeing domestic abuse, changing and saving lives, added The Independent.
The Independent says it launched the campaign driven by its commitment to social justice and a belief that the media has a critical role in addressing the most pressing issues of our time. The campaign captured readers’ attention, bolstered by support from the likes of Queen Camilla, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Dame Helen Mirren, Dame Joanna Lumley, Sir Patrick Stewart, Ranvir Singh, Rylan, Dermot O’Leary, Olivia Colman, Saffron Hocking and David Morrissey, added the publisher. Editorial utilising the news brand’s digital footprint highlighted the truths of domestic violence, driving awareness across social media and other media organisations. High-profile figures, including Cherie Blair, Victoria Derbyshire and Nikita Kanda shared personal stories of their own experiences with abuse over the campaign’s 14 weeks.
In October, Geordie Greig, The Independent’s editor-in-chief, announced the campaign had reached its initial goal of £300,000 and shared that The Independent would continue campaigning after generous donations from Nationwide and Julia Rausing Trust helped take the appeal well over its initial target.
The Independent says the homes are already under construction, with the first families moving in early 2025. Constructed by Persimmon Homes the houses will be equipped with discreet security measures, including CCTV and an arson-proof letterbox, ensuring that women and their children - along with any pets - can begin to recover from trauma in a healing, safe environment. The homes will provide an immediate escape route for women and children living in incomprehensible, daily danger, The Independent continued.
The Independent says the emergency Brick by Brick appeal was launched to help address — and raise awareness of — these shocking statistics:
- One in four women are affected by domestic abuse in their lifetime
- One woman is killed by an abusive partner or ex every five days, on average (in England and Wales)
- Every week, approximately three women die by suicide as a result of domestic abuse
- Every two minutes, someone turns to Refuge for help
Alongside the support from celebrities and readers, the campaign has been boosted by a number of generous supporters including Her Majesty The Queen, Sir Keir Starmer and the Cabinet, Julia Rausing Trust, Nationwide, Lloyds Banking Group, Persimmon Homes, N. Sethia Charitable Foundation, Igor Tulchinsky, Sarah Ferguson Duchess of York (Sarah’s Trust), Dame Joanna Lumley, Gurinder Chadha, Jung Chang, Sir Mohamed Mansour and Joely Richardson. Those who supported the campaign more broadly include Amanda Pritchard and the NHS England board, The Very Revd Andrew Tremlett Dean of St Paul's, and Penny Mordaunt.
Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief of The Independent commented: “The Brick by Brick campaign has not only built momentum as a cry for help but it will now build two houses as permanent sanctuaries for women and children who survive domestic abuse. This is a wonderful close to The Independent’s campaign with Refuge which has inspired our readers and supporters to give enough money to allow those most in need to escape violence, threats and abuse which we want to end. I am inspired by all our team has done and grateful to all our donors.”
Abigail Ampofo, interim CEO at Refuge said: ‘We have been utterly blown away by the success of our Brick by Brick appeal with The Independent. With violence against women and girls at epidemic levels, specialist survivor services like those provided by Refuge are critical.
“Around 1 in 4 women in England and Wales will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, yet chronic underfunding means that many women struggle to access the lifesaving support services they need.
“We are so grateful to every person who has helped to fund these vital new refuges, and to everyone who has shared their personal experiences during the campaign to shine a light on both the devastating impact of abuse and the essential role that Refuge plays in supporting survivors.
“Brick by Brick has played a vital role in kickstarting a national discussion about domestic abuse, and we hope this encourages more survivors to report their experiences, and reach out for support, as we continue our mission to fight for a world where violence against women and girls is not tolerated.”
Anthony Vigor, chair of the Persimmon Charitable Foundation, said: “The support received from so many people for the Brick by Brick campaign has been truly outstanding. Their generosity means that we have now secured the purchase of not just one, but two houses, that will benefit families surviving domestic abuse. We feel privileged to be involved with this project and the life-changing benefits it will deliver. We look forward to handing over the homes once they are completed in 2025.”
Dame Helen Mirren DBE, commented: “Brick by Brick is a brilliant campaign and I’m so pleased that the target has been reached to fund this crucially important home. As I said at the start of the appeal, violence against women is a national emergency and it’s great that this has been recognised and responded to by generous readers and supporters. To those people, on behalf of Refuge and The Independent, I want to say thank you. Your kindness will help to save lives and gives the powerful message that domestic abuse will not be ignored."
Olivia Colman, Refuge ambassador, commented: "Violence against women and children needs to stop. It’s fantastic that so many people have come together to support The Independent’s Brick by Brick campaign, in partnership with Refuge, and we are hugely grateful to everyone who has donated money and spread the word. After having my eyes opened to the issue of domestic abuse when I portrayed Hannah in Tyrannosaur, and then becoming an ambassador for Refuge, it’s been impossible to turn away from this widespread issue. Thank you to everyone for reading, using your voice and donating. You have not only helped to save the lives of women and children, you have come together to tell abusers that we won’t sit by and ignore their abuse.”
Cherie Blair, Refuge ambassador, commented: “Reaching this milestone with the Brick by Brick campaign is a testament to the power of collective action. Thanks to the generous readers of The Independent and supporters everywhere, we are now able to provide homes and safety to women and children fleeing abuse. Domestic abuse remains a widespread issue, but together we are proving that change is possible. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has donated, shared their voice, and stood with survivors. But our work is far from over. If you can, please continue to support this vital cause—each step we take brings us closer to a world where no one has to live in fear.”
Sir Patrick Stewart OBE, Refuge ambassador, commented: "In just a few short weeks, readers of The Independent and generous supporters have come together to build a home for women and children who desperately need an escape route. It’s wonderful to say that we’ve done it and shows that our society will not stand back and allow domestic abuse to stay behind closed doors. Thank you to everyone who has donated to Brick by Brick or lent their voice to the campaign.”
Sharon Gaffka, Refuge ambassador, commented: “I’m truly inspired by the success of the Brick by Brick campaign and the incredible generosity of The Independent readers and everyone who has supported. Together, we’ve made it possible to give women and children fleeing domestic abuse a safe place to call home. This is a powerful step towards breaking the cycle of abuse, and I want to thank everyone who has supported this campaign. But the work continues. If you’re able to, please continue to support us—every donation brings us closer to giving even more women and children the safety and security they deserve.”
Refuge's National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available 24/7 on 0808 2000 247. Callers will receive confidential, non-judgmental support and information on the options available for women experiencing any kind of domestic abuse.
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