Reports from around the world show that the coronavirus pandemic has led to an increase in domestic abuse incidents due to the periods of isolation and lockdown, with experts warning that the coronavirus outbreak will lead to a “domestic abuse pandemic”.

The club have supported Refuge’s life-changing and life-saving work by helping to raise funds to ensure those in need of support know they are not alone.

You can still donate to the campaign now. Please click here to do so.

Chelsea FC Women’s manager Emma Hayes, along with players from our women’s and men’s team, took part in the launch of the digital campaign in April, with the club matching all donations received.

Hayes said: ‘For Refuge, the Chelsea support I think is so important. We have to keep the awareness at the forefront of people’s minds, when it’s all too easy to forget in our own lives.

‘I’m proud of Chelsea because I think about people who are suffering at home with their children unable to escape and not feeling like there is a way out.

‘It’s crucial that we remind each other that there are sufferings during this lockdown.’

Refuge provides a national network of specialist services which support around 6,500 women and children every day, including emergency accommodation, community outreach, independent domestic violence advocacy (IDVAs), culturally specific services and a team of child support workers.

Refuge also runs the Freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, 0808 2000 247, which receives over 270 calls and contacts every day. provides additional support information and an online form where women can request a safe time to be called back.

This online method of accessing support is especially important now when telephoning for help may be more difficult.

Women can also receive automated guidance via Refuge’s techbot on how to secure their devices. Please click for information on that.

Click to donate to the campaign

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