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Globally, almost one in three women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their life
The actors have come together to share the real-life experiences of domestic abuse survivors in a powerful short film
The film will be shown on the Red Nose Day night of TV, on Friday 20 March, from 7pm on BBC iPlayer, BBC One, and BBC YouTube
The money raised this Red Nose Day will help support people in the UK and around the world with the vital support and basic essentials that everyone has the right to – food, shelter and safety
Comic Relief has a long and proud history of supporting frontline services for women and children affected by domestic abuse, funding projects in this area for more than 30 years
To donate to Comic Relief, visit comicrelief.com/donate(opens in new window)
Thursday 12 March: Three of Britain’s most acclaimed actors, and long-time supporters of Comic Relief – Adjoa Andoh, Helen George and Suranne Jones – have come together to support Red Nose Day by lending their voices to a powerful domestic abuse awareness film.
The film shows Adjoa, Helen and Suranne giving voice to the real-life experiences of female survivors of domestic abuse by reading their anonymised words as the camera rolls. It will be shown on the Red Nose Day night of TV which is live from MediaCityUK in Salford on BBC iPlayer and BBC One on Friday 20 March from 7pm, and for the very first time, live streamed simultaneously on the official BBC YouTube channel. The stories featured in the film are the real words that survivors – who have been helped by the domestic abuse charity Refuge – have agreed to share. Supported by Comic Relief, Refuge is the largest domestic abuse organisation in the UK and also runs the National Domestic Abuse Helpline.
First launched in 2003 with the help of Comic Relief donations, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline is a freephone 24-hour helpline. Alongside a dedicated website and email support for victims and survivors, friends and family, and professionals working in the field, it remains a confidential and non-judgemental lifeline to anyone facing an abusive partner here in the UK.
Adjoa Andoh said: "Guilt, shame and fear are feelings many survivors of domestic abuse wrestle with, as we heard in the real-life stories that Suranne, Helen and I recounted. It was an honour to be involved with Comic Relief and speak about the life-transforming work it supports so that these courageous survivors can go forward into lives that are safer, kinder and more hopeful of the positive futures they deserve. If you’re able to, please donate what you can this Red Nose Day. Your donation could be a part of helping someone reach the critical support they need, when they feel most alone and when it matters most – thank you."
Catherine Muge, Director of Funding at Comic Relief, said: “Across the world, one in three women will experience gender‑based violence in their lifetime. At a time when safety is feeling increasingly fragile for so many, we are deeply grateful to the women involved in this film for their courage in sharing their stories. These conversations are essential, we need to confront the reality of an issue affecting women across the country, every single day."
Catherine added: “This Red Nose Day, a £10 donation could help answer a call to a domestic abuse helpline, offering vital support to someone worried about their own safety or that of someone they know. With your support, Comic Relief can continue funding brilliant organisations that are working tirelessly to help women live free from fear and harm here in the UK and around the world."
Comic Relief has supported frontline services for women and children affected by domestic abuse for more than 30 years, funding work in the UK and around the world that helps women and girls live free from violence, achieve justice and access vital health and education support. The charity also invests in initiatives that address the systemic causes of injustice, and most recently, launched an innovative funding programme using the power of sport and physical activity to engage boys and young men in tackling the root causes of violence against women and girls.
Adjoa, Helen and Suranne’s film is one of a number of appeal films that will be shown on the Red Nose Day night of TV. The films will show viewers how donations to Comic Relief this Red Nose Day can help people access the vital essentials everyone needs to survive – including food to eat, a safe place to sleep, and a life free from fear and harm.
Gemma Sherrington, CEO of Refuge, said: “Survivors' lived experience informs all of our work at Refuge and we are pleased to be working with Comic Relief to share direct testimonials from some of the courageous women we have supported. By sharing their stories we're sending a clear message to survivors of domestic abuse – you are not alone, Refuge is here for you, we will listen and we will believe you."
For more information on how to donate to Comic Relief, visit comicrelief.com/donate(opens in new window).
