Queen told of domestic abuse campaign’s progress during inspirational visit to Wiltshire

Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust Director Jennie Shaw chats to Her Majesty The Queen at Bowood
Pictures by Natasha Lee-Jones of the Little Photo Company

HER Majesty the Queen heard of the progress made by the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Group for Wiltshire when she visited them last week.

She met the group’s founders, Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust Director Jennie Shaw, the Marchioness of Lansdowne, Nicky Alberry, Chair of Society without Abuse and Fiona Oliver, Joint Chief Executive of Wiltshire Community Foundation, along with the group’s stakeholders and partners at Bowood House.

She discussed the group’s mission to bring about an end to violence as they updated her on their efforts so far. “We are delighted to have had this opportunity to brief Her Majesty on our mission and progress made to date,” said Jennie.

“Our meeting highlights the power of united action. Through partnership working and with continued commitment, we are creating lasting change for individuals, families, and communities and we will not stop until we have eradicated gender-based abuse and violence."

Among the group’s initiatives are a partnership with the Women’s Institute which aims to engage 100 members of the Wiltshire WI as community champions, trained to identify and support those affected by domestic abuse and gender-based violence.

Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust Director Jennie Shaw addressing the meeting attended by the Queen at Bowood

Swindon Women’s Aid has trained domestic abuse support staff at Gable Cross Police Station who work with people arrested in connection with domestic abuse crimes and improved the court experiences for survivors of domestic abuse.

It has also lobbied for tougher sentencing for perpetrators, sustainable front-line service funding and education programmes for young people.

Also among those who welcomed the Queen were Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire Dame Sarah Troughton, Chief Constable of Wiltshire Catherine Roper, Caroline Probert, Chair of Salisbury Women’s Refuge and Wiltshire High Sheriff Dr Olivia Chapple.

“We are extremely grateful to Her Majesty for making the time to meet us and to encourage us in our work,” said Jennie. “Domestic abuse is an issue that is close to her heart and she has spoken passionately about it on many occasions. We value her continued support and interest.

“We are also indebted to the Marchioness of Lansdowne, who is Chair of the group, for hosting the visit.”

Her Majesty the Queen is escorted into the meeting at Bowood by the Marchioness of Lansdowne

Nicky Alberry, Chair of Society without Abuse, chats with Jennie Shaw and Chief Constable Catherine Roper