Queen Camilla is taking a stand against domestic violence in a new documentary where she vows to put an end to abuse. The documentary, titled “Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors,” shows Camilla meeting survivors of abusive relationships, including a UK parliament member, a senior police officer, and a former Miss England.
The film sheds light on the Queen’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence, a cause she has been dedicated to for years. She became a patron of the domestic abuse charity “Save Lives” in 2020 and has been vocal about the issue since her first TV news interview with CNN in 2017.
Statistics from the UK government reveal that a woman is killed by a current or ex-partner every five days in England and Wales. The documentary emphasizes that violence may not be apparent in an abusive relationship until it’s too late to save the victim. Campaigners in the film stress the importance of recognizing coercive control in domestic abuse situations, as it may not always be obvious.
Chief Inspector Sharon Baker of Avon and Somerset Police, a survivor of domestic abuse featured in the documentary, shared her experience with CNN. She initially kept her abuse a secret, believing that no one would believe a strong and powerful cop like her could be a victim. It wasn’t until she heard victim-blaming language from a fellow survivor that she realized the need to speak out.
Baker highlights that domestic abuse myths often portray victims as weak, when in reality, they can be strong individuals facing coercion and control. She hopes that Camilla’s documentary will raise awareness about the prevalence of domestic abuse and highlight the importance of recognizing coercive control as a warning sign for potential violence.
Coercive control was made a criminal offense in England and Wales in 2015, but Baker explains how abusers can manipulate victims by isolating them from their support networks. She encourages people to speak out about concerning aspects of their relationships and hopes that the documentary will spark important conversations about coercive control.
Queen Camilla acknowledges the progress made in the fight against domestic abuse but emphasizes that more work needs to be done. She promises to continue her efforts until she can no longer do so. The documentary, “Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors,” is set to air on November 11 on UK broadcaster ITV1.
For those affected by domestic violence, resources like UN Women and The Pixel Project offer directories of organizations that provide help and support. It’s essential to raise awareness, speak out, and support survivors in their journey to end domestic abuse.