Billie Piper stars in heartbreaking new film for Refuge saying ‘domestic abuse can happen to anyone’

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.

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. 

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.