This Christmas, Solace, a domestic abuse and sexual violence charity supporting nearly 20,000 women and children across London each year, launches its 2024 campaign, #IseeMaya. The campaign urges the public to recognise the often-overlooked signs of emotional abuse and stand in solidarity with survivors. At the heart of the campaign is Maya, a specially designed Christmas decoration that represents women who have been silenced or isolated due to emotional abuse – a hidden but devastating form of domestic violence.
LDO’s Support: A Festive Evening of Reflection and Unity
London Designer Outlet (LDO) is proud to support Solace’s mission this Christmas. On Wednesday, December 4th, LDO will host a special Christmas tree lighting event featuring the ‘Tree of Soles’, symbolising the women and children currently in refuge. An all-female choir will add to the festive atmosphere, and guests will have the opportunity to donate to Solace and receive a Maya decoration.
Michelle D’Vaz-Plant, Head of Marketing at LDO, says:
“This year, our commitment to supporting women and children in our local communities is stronger than ever. It’s truly a collective effort, with support coming through both donations and acts of kindness. We’re inspired to see the LDO brands, our guests and the Brent community unite once again to make a real difference.”
Press are invited to join at the London Designer Outlet in Wembley at 3.30pm, when spokespeople will be available. The public are invited to join from 4pm, when the tree lighting and choir performance will begin.
How to Support #IseeMaya
- Donate to receive a Maya Decoration: Available now from Solace’s website solacewomensaid.org and at London Designer Outlet’s Guest Services. Proceeds go directly to supporting Solace’s life-changing work.
- Spread Awareness: Share photos of Maya on your Christmas tree using the hashtag #IseeMaya to help amplify the message and show solidarity with survivors.
Emotional abuse affects 1 in 2 women and is one of the most common forms of abuse faced by survivors. Controlling behaviours such as gaslighting, belittling, and isolation often precede or accompany physical and sexual abuse. Through the #IseeMayacampaign, Solace invites people to purchase a Maya decoration and display it on their Christmas tree as a symbol of support for women who may feel invisible this holiday season.
Nahar Choudhury, CEO of Solace, says:
“Emotional abuse affects one in two women and at least 85% of the women we support. The lasting impact and trauma of emotional abuse is often overlooked in the context of violence and abuse, but we see first-hand how controlling behaviours such as belittling, silencing and gaslighting can not only be some of the early signs of potential physical and sexual abuse but can be devastating in themselves. We’d love to see our Maya decoration on trees in offices and homes around the country showing support for women experiencing domestic abuse. After all, we all know Maya. We work with her, we’re friends with her, and many of us are her.”
Bunmi’s Story: Finding Solace After Emotional Abuse
Bunmi, a survivor who sought refuge with Solace after fleeing her abusive partner, says:
“I was scared for my life, I had no choice but to run. My ex-partner abused me physically, sexually, psychologically and emotionally. I was so confused, and I no longer trusted my own instincts. That’s what emotional abuse can do. They abuse you and then make you believe that it is your own fault. That you are causing the abuse. It took time and support from Solace for me to see that I was never the problem. Abusers abuse because they choose to. It’s as simple as that.”
Nahar adds:
“The work we do at Solace is life changing and lifesaving and sadly more than two million women are estimated to face violence perpetrated by men each year in an epidemic so serious that police chiefs have recently called it a ‘national emergency.’ We’ve been supporting women for fifty years now and we need to find a way to end violence against women and girls. We wholeheartedly hope that the public get behind this campaign and donate for Maya and for all women and girls. Together, this Christmas we can create a safer future for all.”
About Solace
Solace is a leading specialist charity in the UK, supporting women and children experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence. Each year, Solace provides life-saving services to nearly 20,000 women, children, and young people. From safe refuge to counselling and advocacy, Solace offers the tools and resources needed to build safe, independent lives.
Contact Information
Website | www.solacewomensaid.org
Instagram and Bluesky | @SolaceWomensAid
Facebook | /SolaceWomensAid
Media Inquiries:
media@solacewomensaid.org