Queen Camilla made a low-key visit to meet domestic violence survivors at a home operated by the Ashiana Network.
During her visit, Her Majesty comforted women as they shared their stories. Four women, whose identities were not shared, are from Turkey, Pakistan and India. The Ashiana Network assists South Asian, Middle Eastern and Turkish women who have experienced trauma such as domestic and sexual violence, forced marriage, honour-based violence, financial abuse and coercive control.
The woman from Turkey broke down in tears, and she shared with Her Majesty how the centre has been helping her for five years while dealing with the stress and worry of being separated from her daughter, who is still in Turkey.
“I am so sorry,” the lady said, “Everyone is very good to me here, but I am a mother, my daughter.”
Her Majesty immediately comforted her: “You’ve got to be strong; you are very strong. That’s why you have got as far as you have. You are so strong. You need to keep on. All of you. You are wonderful girls supporting each other.”
Another woman shared her story of a marriage filled with violence from her husband and in-laws. A third woman spoke of the abuse she received in her forced marriage. After hearing their stories, Queen Camilla thanked everyone for being willing to share their heartbreaking experiences.
She added: “What a marvellous job you do and to all these brilliant ladies who have gone through such trauma but come out the other end. Unfortunately, there will be more stories to come. They are very moving. We need to clone you.”
Queen Camilla was also given a tour and was presented with a mosaic mirror that the women from the centre made for her.
For over ten years, Queen Camilla has supported domestic violence charities and is the patron of SafeLives.
