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BILLIE Piper is starring in a heartbreaking new film for Refuge, and says ‘domestic abuse can happen to anyone.’

The talented 42-year-old actress’ new project sees her in a short film that explores the different forms domestic abuse can take.

Billie Piper is starring in a heartbreaking new film for Refuge, and says ‘domestic abuse can happen to anyone'
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Billie Piper is starring in a heartbreaking new film for Refuge, and says ‘domestic abuse can happen to anyone'Credit: YouTube
The ‘Make the world a Refuge’ short film projects sees testimonies read about coercive control, technology-facilitated abuse and financial abuse – alongside physical violence
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The ‘Make the world a Refuge’ short film projects sees testimonies read about coercive control, technology-facilitated abuse and financial abuse – alongside physical violenceCredit: YouTube
Billie has been an ambassador for Refuge since 2022
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Billie has been an ambassador for Refuge since 2022Credit: YouTube

The star details the ways in which it can show up in relationships as she reads real-life testimonies from domestic abuse survivors, all of which protect their anonymity.

The ‘Make the world a Refuge’ short film projects sees testimonies read about coercive control, technology-facilitated abuse and financial abuse – alongside physical violence.

In the powerful film, Billie sits in the centre of a hall on a chair in a grey jumper and jeans and a message at the end reads: “Violence against women shows up in so many ways. But so does Refuge.”

Last year, Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline supported people 49,787 times via phone, live chat, email and their British Sign Language interpretation service. 

Read More on Billie Piper

Speaking about the new film, Billie said: “Domestic abuse can happen to anybody. It does not discriminate, and it can leave survivors questioning themselves and their reality.

“Reading the words of survivors who have experienced such sinister forms of abuse was truly harrowing, but it is vital that more people are made aware of the many signs of abuse so that abusers can be held responsible.

“While it is horrific to know just how common domestic abuse is, speaking up is crucial in helping survivors realise that it is never their fault, and that Refuge is here to offer support.”  

Billie has been an ambassador for Refuge since 2022, and her role in the short film comes after she played a lead part in Netflix hit Scoop.

She portrayed the tenacious Newsnight booker who secured Prince Andrew’s car crash interview about his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

And after the film, Billie spoke about recognising the abuse of women, as she told the Radio Times: “Whenever there’s a story about abuse of women, I pay attention.

Billie Piper - The Evolution of a Star

“I’m an ambassador for Refuge [the domestic abuse charity] so this is something that I feel passionately about: the protection of women and children specifically.

“The interview, whatever you feel about it, was such an important part of exposing this story. And [Sam and Amanda] were integral to that. 

“So telling their story felt important to me. And seeing the things that we didn’t know about the interview, like the fact that it was signed off by the Palace, was fascinating to me.”

How you can get help

How you can get help from Refuge

  • Call our 24-hour 
  • Message our 
  • Contact our qualified 
  • Find out about 

Our dedicated staff will listen to your needs and develop a safety plan for you and any children involved.

We know that every person has different needs, depending on their circumstances. We will work with you to develop the right support plan for you.

Specialist support numbers:

  • Men’s Advice Line – specialist support for male survivors: 0808 8010327 | 
  • Galop – specialist support for LGBT+ survivors: 0800 999 5428 | 
  • Karma Nirvana – support for honour based abuse: 0800 5999 247 | 
  • National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300 | 
  • Revenge Porn Helpline: 0345 6000 459 | 

The Make the world a Refuge short awareness film was released on 9th October 

The star details the ways in which abuse can show up in relationships
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The star details the ways in which abuse can show up in relationshipsCredit: YouTube
The Make the world a Refuge short awareness film was released on 9th October
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The Make the world a Refuge short awareness film was released on 9th OctoberCredit: YouTube
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