Queen Camilla Advocates for Open Discussion on Domestic Violence

“You can imagine how terrifying it is for a woman to be stuck with a very violent partner, feeling that fear every single day,” Queen Camilla states in an upcoming television documentary addressing domestic abuse. For an extended period, the Queen has advocated for increased awareness regarding domestic and sexual violence, and in this ITV production, she engages openly with several victims. The Queen, who has urged for more public discourse on domestic violence, remarks, “By scratching the surface you get a terrible shock. It’s such a heinous crime.” Additionally, in the documentary, the Queen mentions that King Charles, currently receiving cancer treatment, is “doing really well” and that the “problem is trying to stop him.” Queen Camilla, a consistent advocate against domestic abuse, utilizes this documentary to emphasize that it ought not to be a forbidden topic. She states, “If we could just get more people discussing it…”, while drawing attention to how abuse encompasses both psychological manipulation and physical assaults. Queen Camilla explains, “Coercive control is almost the most frightening bit of domestic abuse. You meet somebody, you think they’re wonderful, attractive, and love you, and then bit by bit they start to undermine you.” In the documentary, scheduled for broadcast later this month, she adds, “They take away your friends, they take away your family. They take control of your money. They start dressing you. And yet all the time I suppose people still believe they’re doing it because they love them.” A domestic abuse survivor, who encounters the Queen, speaks of the “invisible chains” that hinder individuals from leaving, especially when children are involved. The film also features testimonies of violence, aggression, and threats, and the Queen is shown visiting a women’s refuge offering a secure sanctuary. Former prime minister Theresa May also participates, engaging in a discussion with human rights lawyer Cherie Blair concerning evolving perspectives on domestic abuse. She states, “Domestic abuse was something that happened behind closed doors and you didn’t interfere.” She further notes, “Police always used that phrase, ‘oh, it’s a domestic’, and wasn’t anything to do with them.” The former PM elaborates, “Over the years we’ve realised that domestic abuse is wider than what we used to call it… It’s about trying to take control over an individual person’s life.” Cherie Blair asserts, “Domestic abuse doesn’t have to be physical. And it is actually all about power and control.” The documentary reveals that in England and Wales during the previous year, over two million individuals endured some type of domestic abuse. On average, a woman was murdered by a current or former partner every five days. Within the documentary, the Queen encounters Diana Parkes, whose daughter was murdered by her estranged spouse. The Queen expresses, “I think she’s so strong because not many people would be able to survive the death of their daughter. I admire her more than I can say.” Domestic violence has consistently featured as a central topic during the Queen’s engagements, both within the UK and internationally, such as her recent visits to Australia and Samoa. During a Commonwealth summit event in Samoa, she declared a “gigantic task ahead of us,” requiring the participation of both men and women. She specified, “It is this: to end domestic and sexual violence across the Commonwealth, now and for ever.” Earlier, she had cautioned about a “pandemic” of violence targeting women and extended invitations to campaigners at Buckingham Palace. Following the murder of Sarah Everard, Camilla stated that it was imperative to confront a culture where “violence against women is normal.” The documentary, titled Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors, is scheduled for 11 November at 21.00 on ITV1. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their external linking policy is available.