Helen Mirren, Patrick Stewart, Kym Marsh and many more stars join forces for OK! Closet Clear Out with Refuge
Stay home, protect lives.
It’s a phrase that we have all become far too familiar with hearing over the past few weeks, but what if staying home put your life in danger?
That is sadly the reality for the many people that suffer domestic violence and the current lockdown measures have only compounded this further.
How to clear out your closet for the OK! Closet Clear Out campaign for Refuge
Home Secretary Priti Patel calls OK! Closet Clear Out for Refuge campaign 'so important' as domestic violence cases increase by 50%
Since isolation began domestic abuse support groups have reported an alarming 50% rise in calls and online requests for help.
In one single day, Refuge, the UK’s largest domestic violence charity reported a 700% increase in calls from at–risk individuals.
There are urgent calls for the government to act, and draft measures are being discussed and heard in parliament. But we must act now and do what we can to help.
Did you know?
- Almost one in three women are affected by domestic abuse in their lifetime
- Two women every week are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales
- Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline had increased by 50% since lockdown began
That is why OK! have teamed up with Refuge to raise both money and awareness for a cause where the victims all too often remain voiceless.
We’ve appealed to our many celebrity friends to raid their wardrobes and clear out their closets and donate clothing for us to auction in our OK! Closet Clear Out, which YOU can have a chance of owning.
Not only that but 100% of the profits go to Refuge, so while you get to own a piece of your favourite celebrity you are also helping to save someone’s life.
Dame Helen, patron of Refuge said, “Self-isolation is a strange time for us all, but it’s so important that we look out for vulnerable women and children who are experiencing domestic abuse right now. So I am very pleased to support Refuge and the Closet Clear Out campaign.”
Dame Joan, Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas, OK! columnist Kym Marsh and EastEnders actresses Lacey Turner and Louisa Lytton have also joined the fight, along with Lisa Snowdon, Katie Price and Hayley Hasselhoff. And now we need YOUR help.
Our celebrity friends are sorting through their wardrobes to pick out outfits they don’t wear.
These will then be auctioned online for you to buy – with 100 per cent of the profits going directly to Refuge.
Our official campaign is raising money to help women like Natasha Saunders, who was raped by her ex-husband just hours after giving birth to her second child. It was just the latest incident in eight years of degrading physical, sexual and psychological abuse. We’re also hoping to support mums like Melanie Clarke. She was just 14 when she met her ex. She reached breaking point when he choked her until she thought she would die while pregnant with their third child.
Domestic abuse survivor Natasha Saunders lived with 'monster' husband for eight years: 'he made manipulation and isolation seem normal'
Melanie Clarke recalls time her husband jumped on her back and choked her as she praises Refuge for helping her start life again
Home secretary Priti Patel is pledging her full support. “I commend OK! for giving this issue the national prominence it deserves,” she says. “This campaign will send a strong message that we all see domestic abuse for the despicable crime it is.
“With little contact with the outside world, victims will be feeling trapped or isolated. That’s why campaigns like the OK! Closet Clear Out are so important. They let people know help is still available. Celebrities’ support means a great deal. Their huge profiles and follower base have helped reach even more people.”
Sandra Horley CBE, chief executive of Refuge, said, “We’re very grateful to OK! and the support it’s providing Refuge, so we can continue to deliver vital services to those that need them.
“Self-isolation has the potential to increase the threat of domestic abuse. Our staff work round the clock to make sure our services remain open, safe and available.”
Dame Helen Mirren, Lacey Turner and many more clear out their closets with OK! to raise funds for Refuge
There has never been a better time to snap up some amazing celebrity memorabilia that you can truly treasure forever. With many stars offering looks that they have worn to some of the most exclusive celebrity events.
To find your favourite celebrity piece head to our OK! Closet Clear Out shop over on eBay.
But now it is your turn to get involved.
So dig deep, back your favourite look or celebrity and get bidding.
And if your wardrobe needs sorting out then why not get clearing yourself.
How to donate to OK! Closet Clear Out For Refuge
To bid on your favourite celebrity's item of clothing to raise money for Refuge, supporting victims of domestic abuse, head over to our eBay shop NOW!
And if you would like to take part in OK! Closet Clear Out Campaign yourself, just #CREATE space in your wardrobe, #DONATE £5 to Refuge and #NOMINATE friends to do the closet clear-out.
Text OK4REFUGE 5 to 70480 to donate £5
*Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you’d like to give £5 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text OK4REFUGENOINFO 5 to 70480.
If you’re in need of help, don’t suffer in silence.
Call the Refuge Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. It’s staffed 24 hours a day, every day of the year, with a dedicated team of experts on hand to offer help and advice.
If you’re in immediate danger, call the police on 999.
If you can’t talk and are on a mobile, press 55 when prompted and you’ll be connected to the local police force who will help without the need for you to speak.
Source: Read Full Article