Press &amp; Media

‘We’d like more powers to help victims change their identities’ says founder of domestic abuse charity

I Choose Freedom: Behind the doors of a women's refuge

BBC Radio Surrey

James Cannon came to visit an I Choose Freedom Refuge where he received a tour, spoke with staff and listened to the story of a survivor.

CEO calls for more support for survivors after conviction of their abusers

Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey

Sun article featuring our CEO discussing the need for more support for survivors, the first step in our new movement - CAMPAIGN TO CHANGE: Make Victims’ Rights More Important Than The Rights Of An Abuser

11-year-old resident wins competition run by Surrey Police & Crime Commissioner with their beautiful Christmas card!

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner and her deputy have sent out their Christmas cards – after picking a design created by a 10-year-old girl fleeing domestic abuse.

Emma - 'Domestic abuse survivor tells her remarkable story'

Express

During winter months, domestic violence cases increase by an average of 38 percent in the UK. And during key sporting events, like the World Cup, existing abuse can intensify. When Express.co.uk mentioned this to Emma Armstrong, Head of Services at domestic abuse charity I Choose Freedom, she said the statistics didn’t surprise her.

CEO and Head of Services featured in Independent Article

"Domestic violence survivors ‘disgusted’ as police suspects go unpunished. Suspects ‘should not be in police jobs where they are going to be abusing power and control’, survivor says"

Charlotte Kneer Made MBE

Surrey Live

MBE for Surrey domestic abuse campaigner, Charlotte Kneer, who helped 5,000 victims and appeared in Channel 4 documentary.

RBWA shortlisted for UK Charity Governance Awards 2022

Press Release

RBWA has been shortlisted for the UK-wide Charity Governance Awards 2022. It is in the running for the Covid-19 Response: Embracing Opportunity and Harnessing Risk for Long-term Change award which comes with a £5,000 unrestricted grant.

Charlotte Kneer comments featured in article: 'Women’s charities fear an increase in domestic abuse this Christmas.'

Charlotte Kneer, CEO of RBWA refuges in Surrey, said Christmas was the most difficult time of year when she was being abused.

Charlotte Kneer quoted in article: "‘Legitimate distrust in state’: Women now feel far more at risk walking home alone at night, polling finds."

Charlotte Kneer: “We’ve been made aware that not only did a policeman kill a woman walking on her own, we’ve also been made aware police don’t take violence against women seriously.”

Charlotte Kneer featured inarticle: "Met Police spark ferocious backlash among women for ‘disgraceful’ advice issued after Sarah Everard murder."

"Ms Kneer, who is chief executive of Reigate and Banstead Women’s Aid refuge in Surrey, warned police should not be advising women how to alter their behaviour, arguing the onus should be on the police to change."

Charlotte Kneer discusses 'the fear football elicits for domestic abuse victims'

"It didn’t matter whether they won or lost, the threat of violence was ever-present." Charlotte Kneer speaks to Maya Oppenheim about the exclusive data that shows a 20 per cent rise in domestic abuse referrals after England lost to Italy in Euros final.

Charlotte Kneer discusses Britney Spears’ conservatorship as an example of Domestic Abuse

Charlotte Kneer comments ‘this horrendous experience must be stopped'.

Charlotte Kneer - Women with disabilities ‘more likely to suffer Domestic Abuse’

Charlotte Kneer: "Part of the reason disabled women stay with abusers longer is the shortage of specialist services. The shortage needs to be urgently rectified"

Daisy Kneer - Children are primary victims of Domestic Abuse

PANDEMIC'S HIDDEN VICTIMS - "My violent dad trashed our home and abused my mum – lockdown means many scared kids are now witnessing domestic violence"

Charlotte Kneer and HRH Duchess of Cornwall discuss Rail to Refuge

National Rail

"We are so proud that the Dispatches documentary filmed in one of our refuges led station manager Darren O'Brien to suggest the idea to his employer Southeastern railway. Women have told us how they have no money to pay for a train ticket because every aspect of their lives was controlled by the perpetrator. If they had not been able to get the rail fare, I dread to think what would have happened"

Charlotte Kneer - Domestic Abuse lockdown horrors

"You don't know if when you hang up the phone, that woman will be murdered"

HRH Earl and Countess of Wessex thanking RBWA for the hard work carried out through the pandemic

Youtube

HRH Earl and Countess of Wessex thanked people in Surrey last week who have worked hard during the pandemic for their communities. They were particularly interested in the work of RBWA who have opened a new refuge during lockdown with the support of Surrey County Council, Surrey PCC and Community Foundation for Surrey. You can see them talking to our CEO in this video.

Emma Armstrong - Discusses 'heartbreaking' 12 months protecting victims of domestic abuse

In Your Area

"For so many women and children the walls around them were filled with fear, isolation, pain, and no way out. Our battle begun to try and provide hope to those most in need and still at risk of being murdered."

RBWA on BBC News!

BBC News

"The increase in women and children trying to access refuges in this country is unbelievable. Until this situation is sorted out, where there's a national strong network of refuges that can support many, many more families, unfortunately we will see more women dying."

Charlotte Kneer - Lack of funding leaving domestic abuse services unprepared for ‘surge’ of victims when lockdown lifts

“Over the past year, we’ve seen how restrictions have exacerbated abuse, heightening the pre-existing controlling behaviours of abusive partners while also narrowing the opportunities for victims to seek and access support.”

RBWA on the BBC News - Urgent funding required for specialist Domestic Abuse services to prevent more women from dying.

BBC News

"The increase in women and children trying to access refuges in this country is unbelievable. Until this situation is sorted out, where there's a national strong network of refuges that can support many, many more families, unfortunately we will see more women dying."

Charlotte Kneer - On how the government can protect women.

"Stop asking why didn’t she leave, why was she wearing that, how much did she drink – all of those lines are erasing the perpetrator. Make it about the person who is really to blame."

Charlotte Kneer - "We need to stop telling women how to protect themselves and start telling men to stop hurting them"

"Women are dying in their own homes regularly in the UK. We need investment in early education about equality and healthy relationships. We need investment in supporting victims of male violence against women and girls. Men, instead of saying not all men do this, start saying I’m going to do everything in my power to stop those that are doing it"

Charlotte Kneer on the scheme to tag Domestic Abuse offenders after their release from prison.

"Charlotte Kneer, a domestic abuse survivor whose violent partner was jailed for 7 years in 2011, “When my ex-husband was released from prison, as a victim I felt totally unprotected and can remember thinking, ‘Will I have to fight for my life if he breaks in?" This scheme could give victims comfort that the perpetrator of the abuse is being monitored, but only if the tagging scheme is managed."

Charlotte Kneer - JOSEPH Portrait Series

JOSEPH

In support of International Women’s day 2021, JOSEPH is choosing to celebrate with a project that amplifies female voices and highlights the unique challenges that women face each and every day. One of their unsung heroes that they chose was our CEO Charlotte Kneer. Highlighting all the incredible work she has done to help victims of Domestic Abuse.

Charlotte Kneer on the £15m on Perpetrator programmes

"They might have a chance if they chose to do it and there is a willingness to do it. But if a programme is court-ordered, it is totally pointless and it could be counterproductive."

Charlotte Kneer - The funding budget released to tackle domestic abuse is "a drop in the ocean".

Charlotte Kneer, Chief Executive of RBWA has warned that the funding is "a drop in the ocean" as she explained they are forced to turn away 8 women and their children for each space they have.

Emma Armstrong - "The expansion of our new refuge was the difference between life and death"

In Your Area

Emma Armstrong, head of services, said that the expansion of our new refuge was the difference between life and death. We are providing a safe home for women and children free from abuse, and if spaces weren't available they would remain at risk of being murdered whilst living at home.

Charlotte kneer - "The pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing court delays for Domestic Abuse cases"

Thomson Reuters Foundation

Charlotte Kneer said Domestic abuse victims are dropping charges against violent ex-partners after growing frustrated by court delays caused by the pandemic. "During this time you are worried the Alleged Perpetrator might kill or attack you. You fear for your life."

Holly Ringrose - Unfinished portraits honouring the lives of those killed by Domestic Abuse

This article is about one of our team, Holly Ringrose. Holly created a Social Media Project to raise awareness of Domestic Abuse and to honour women killed by men who should have loved them. Holly took inspiration from Adrian Brandon and Karen Ingala Smith. We are exceptionally proud of Holly for this moving, poignant campaign and we remember and mourn these women.

Emma A - Landmark Family Court Appeal Day One

Our wondeful Emma A continued to support an ex-resident even after she left due to the "appalling" way the family court dealt with her. If successful this case will ensure justice for past, present and future victims of Domestic Abuse.

Charlotte Kneer - Fears multiply as many women won't survive Lockdown three.

"I am stunned there is no real attempt to provide long-term funding. I am worried some women may not survive this lockdown.”

Channel 4 Dispatches - The birth of the Rail to Refuge scheme thanks to RBWA documentary first.

Because of RBWA's documentary we inspired one man to make an incredible change. Domestic abuse survivors can access free rail travel to escape to a refuge, which is now to be extended to March 2021.

How our documentary inspired one man to ignite the greatest change

RBWA's documentary, one of the first of it's kind, inspired Darren O'Brien to help create the 'Rail to Refuge' scheme.

Charlotte Kneer - Why lockdown two will effect women hardest

"During the last lockdown and in the months after we saw an increase of 150% in the requests for refuge spaces...My strong message to those experiencing abuse is, please reach out in any way you can."

'Georgie' talks movingly about moving into RBWA during lockdown

Times Radio

"Making the one phone call has been incredible, to anyone else out there suffering, call today!"

Charlotte Kneer - Channel 4 interview on the Johnny Depp Libel Case

'It doesn't matter how much money an abuser has, how much power or how many fans, the truth will always come out'

Charlotte Kneer - Amber Heard's courage is a boost to domestic abuse survivors

Our CEO Charlotte Kneer comments on the Johnny Depp Libel case

Johnny Depp case verdict shows 'victims will be believed' regardless of abuser's 'status and wealth'

Our CEO Charlotte Kneer comments on the Johnny Depp Libel case.

Women at 'risk of murder' in lockdown saved as domestic abuse refuge created within weeks

Surrey Live

Surrey agencies raced to set up emergency accommodation in East Surrey but more spaces are still needed

"Hardly any money has actually gone to creating new refuge spaces - it really is just unacceptable" Charlotte Kneer speaks on Channel 5 news

Channel 5 News

Thomson Reuters Foundation

Campaigners say it is vital charities receive sustainable funding from the Government to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

COVID-19: As Domestic Violence Surges, UK Survivors Speak Up. Charlotte Kneer speaks to Thomson Reuters for their animation about Domestic Abuse.

As cases of domestic violence surge under the coronavirus lockdown, two women tell their story of survival.

RBWA achieve the unachievable

RBWA open a new refuge to help victims fleeing domestic abuse during lockdown

Increase in third parties reporting domestic abuse during lockdown, Charlotte Kneer talks to The Independent about the reasons for this

There has been a significant increase in third parties (family, neighbours) reporting domestic abuse during lockdown. Although this is heartening that societally people are reporting incidents they see or hear, it is also a worrying sign about the number of victims who are unable to report during lockdown.

Women can now try to run from abusers but refuges need more beds for them to run to

The data has shown us that some women and children have already lost their lives and others are in grave danger, says Charlotte Kneer

Read about some of the brave women who have fled their abuser during lockdown

The Times

“I risked our lives to flee”: escaping domestic violence in lockdown

Refuges are a lifeline for women fleeing domestic abuse but Covid-19 has thrown up new challenges

The Guardian

With huge thanks to two of our lovely residents for contributing their thoughts from their diaries during lockdown. Having a safe refuge space has been so important for them but challenging at the same time.

Life in a women’s refuge in the time of Covid-19

Channel 4 News

RBWA open their doors to Channel 4 so that the world can see how lock down is affecting victims of domestic abuse and how the Government urgently need to do more

Charlotte Kneer appears on Channel 4 News to discuss Government strategy for abuse victims during lockdown

Government pledges extra support for victims of domestic abuse during lockdown. Charlotte asks whether it's enough.

RBWA CEO Charlotte Kneer talks to The Independent about the announcement from the Home Office on Government Domestic Abuse Strategy during Covid-19

"The scale of abuse happening in homes across the UK is enormous. I strongly caution anyone who thinks a social media campaign with a small amount of funding for the first line of response is anywhere near enough. It doesn’t even come close"

Charlotte our CEO talks to Michael Crick about the financial challenges refuges will face in light of COVID-19

Mail Plus

What support will be given to charities in this difficult time?

'I worry these women and children will return to dangerous situations,' says chief executive of refuge which houses woman at risk of murder'

'Women are panicked': How domestic abuse refuges are struggling with the turmoil of coronavirus

Charlotte talks to Glamour magazine about what the current lock down means for domestic abuse victims

Glamour Magazine

Fabulous Magazine and The Sun

Staying home helps fight Coronavirus but can make life worse for those in abusive relationships

RBWA CEO Charlotte Kneer named by The Sun and Fabulous Magazine as being in the UK Top 50 Inspirational Women

Charlotte is recognised as being one of the top 50 most inspirational women in the UK

CEO Charlotte Kneer talks to Sky News about the 1st reading of the DA Bill in the House of Commons

Sky News

Charlotte talked to Sky News about the DA Bill and was also talking about the long term impacts of Domestic Abuse and coercive control

RBWA's CEO Charlotte Kneer writes for Metro about time running out for victims and why the Government must introduce the Domestic Abuse Bill

Metro

I always hope that there will be somewhere for that woman and her children to go, but what if she runs out of time before a place can be found?

RBWA Advocate, Sue Tapper talks to The Independent about anonymous voting reform and how the current system is damaging for domestic abuse survivors

Sue Tapper, who works at Reigate and Banstead Women’s Aid refuge, said: “It is disgraceful because the survivor has to keep reliving their abuse and it puts them in victim rather than survivor mode. It is a nuisance and it will stop women voting. They are being penalised. It is an antiquated system.

RBWA's CEO talks to the Independent about why short term Government grants don't work to keep refuges open

"This money has to be bid for by local authorities and is for a short term project. Although it is welcome it doesn’t address the need for core funding to sustain refuges that are running on reserves to pay their staff"

The story of a family who have lived at RBWA

This article tells the important story of how staying in a refuge can stop the cycle of domestic abuse being passed down through generations

Thousands of survivors being put at risk of being traced by their abusive ex-partners

RBWA Support staff leading the way in this campaign about the danger of survivors being traced via their National Insurance Numbers

RBWA CEO Charlotte Kneer on BBC Breakfast talking about 2nd reading of Domestic Abuse Bill today in House of Commons

BBC 1

Charlotte Kneer appears on BBC Breakfast asking for secure funding for refuges

CEO Charlotte Kneer speaks to The Independent urging the Government to provide clarity about the Domestic Abuse Bill

It would be such a shame if all the work and effort invested in the bill is lost. I am very concerned the input many domestic abuse survivors put into the bill over the years could be lost.

Emma Armstrong, RBWA's Services Manager talks about how domestic abuse previously affected her mental health

BBC News

Victoria Derbyshire show - BBC News

RBWA's Services Manager Emma Armstrong shares her own experience of domestic abuse with the BBC News

Services Manager Emma Armstrong's debut appearance on the Victoria Derbyshire show

RBWA's Services Manager Emma Armstrong talks to the BBC about the link between mental health and domestic abuse.

RBWA going global! Charlotte Kneer talks to Canadian radio about the Nottinghamshire police trial of blunt knives

Canadian Radio

U.K. police under fire for plan to give blunt knives to domestic abuse survivors

Charlotte, CEO of RBWA talks openly about her own DA experience and how knives were used to harm her

Hear a survivors take on the new proposal of police giving victims of DA blunt knifes

CEO Charlotte Kneer talks to the New York Times

New York Times

Read Charlotte's perspective on Nottinghamshire's latest police scheme, offering victims of domestic violence blunt knives in place of real ones.

CEO Charlotte Kneer talks to BBC breakfast - 13th May 2019

BBC Breakfast

CEO Charlotte Kneer talks to BBC breakfast about the government announcement relating to a legal duty on local authorities to provide refuges

RBWA's CEO Charlotte Kneer talks to BBC Breakfast

BBC Breakfast

Hear Charlotte's story of survival and about the up coming documentary on RBWA

Safe at Last - Inside a Women's Refuge

Channel 4, Dispatches

Channel 4 spent a year filming inside RBWA, watch our ground breaking documentary here ...

Safe At Last: Inside a Woman’s Refuge review: An important television first

5* Star Review

Keeping children at RBWA safe

Mirror

In the classroom, two leaders ask the children: “Who knows what mine and Emma’s jobs are?” A little girl answers: “To keep people safe.”

A 5* review for the Dispatches - Channel 4 #SafeAtLast from The Guardian

The Guardian

5* Review

Charlotte Kneer, 48, suffered 16 years of horrific abuse at the hands of her cruel husband - but thanks to her work as CEO of RBWA women's refuge, she's here to tell her story of bravery and survival

Mirror

'I saw death - but the worst thing my husband did was not letting me mourn my poor brother'

"Women's refuges saved mine and countless other lives - it is a national scandal they are closing down" says Charlotte Kneer, RBWA's CEO

Telegraph

What people don’t understand about domestic violence is it is not about someone punching you in the face right from the off. It is a much more insidious process than that.

Harsh funding cuts mean we’re terrified all the time, warns struggling women’s refuge

Domestic violence survivor and now boss of a women's refuge Charlotte Kneer has explained why she made the unprecedented move to open it's doors to allow a documentary team in…

Domestic abuse: 'Children are the hidden victims'

BBC

Daughter of RBWA’s CEO Daisy Kneer spoke to the BBC about the effects of witnessing domestic abuse as a child.

Domestic violence victims face toughest Christmas yet as cuts leave therapeutic support at all-time low

RBWA’s CEO Charlotte Kneer spoke to the Independent about the importance of therapeutic services for survivors and their children and the lack of available funding.

"How my abusive partner used suicide to control me"

Cosmopolitan

Emma, 29, is Services Manager at RBWA refuge for survivors of domestic abuse. Here, she shares her own experiences with Cosmopolitan UK.

'If the refuge didn't exist..I would have died'

ITV

"A survivor who lived at RBWA talks about how staying at the refuge saved her life"

For a lot of children, Christmas in a refuge is the happiest they’ve ever had

The Guardian

"Women shouldn’t feel guilty about their kids spending Christmas in a refuge, says Charlotte Kneer, a domestic violence survivor who runs RBWA"

The Women Fighting To Save Other Women From Domestic Violence

Buzzfeed

BuzzFeed News spent time at RBWA refuge to hear how staff deal with the constant threat of government cuts and how that affects the essential services they provide..

Domestic violence victims 'sleeping rough' after refuges closed

Sky News

Despite domestic abuse being of "personal importance" to Theresa May, women fleeing violence are struggling to find a space in a refuge and can end up sleeping rough. Charlotte Kneer of RBWA talks to Sky News.

Escaping domestic violence

BBC

Thousands of women are leaving their homes because of their abusive partner. A survivor living at RBWA talks to the BBC. But specialist refuges in England are facing a funding crisis.

Thousands of children affected by domestic abuse