Advance Unveils I am with Her Film & Campaign

The London-based women’s charity Advance has launched I am with Her, a new film highlighting the stories of women and girls who experience domestic abuse and those affected by the criminal justice system.

I am with Her aims to raise awareness around the scale of domestic abuse in the U.K. Each narrative in the film is based on the real experiences of women and girls that the charity supports across Greater London. I am with Her has been produced with the support of Banijay UK.

Amid the stay-at-home orders due to the coronavirus pandemic, domestic abuse calls have been up by 25 percent in the U.K. With incidents rising, Advance is aiming to raise at least £100,000. If this target cannot be met, the funds raised during this appeal will still be disbursed wherever the need is greatest. The charity is aiming to provide expert advice through its free helplines, support and reassurance through its advocacy services and essentials (including housing, food, care packages and phones to be able to call Advance for help) to those in need.

Advance CEO Niki Scordi said: “The threefold increase in domestic abuse reported in other countries trying to contain COVID-19 is being experienced in the U.K. too. There has never been a greater need for increased awareness of the signs of domestic abuse. We hope through I am with Her we can raise much-needed funds to help victims and survivors of domestic abuse and encourage communities to let women and children know that ‘you are not alone’. No one should live in fear of being hurt at home; it should be a safe place for all.”