Duchess moved by testimonies of women's domestic abuse
The Duchess of Cornwall has been left visibly moved by the harrowing testimonies of women who have suffered terrible domestic abuse or seen friends or family members suffer.
Rachel Williams, 43, from Newport described how after 18 years of marriage she tried to leave her estranged husband after years of abuse but he blasted her with a shotgun at the hairdressers where she was working.
She was one of five women who spoke at the reception held in central London and she told the guests how she defended herself during the attack but her teenage son could not come to terms with what had happened.
Camilla thanked the group for telling their stories and speaking out about the issue when she met staff and supporters from the national charity SafeLives, which works to safeguard those at risk from harm from partners or family members.
After the five women had spoken about their experiences in offices in central London the Duchess told them: "All of you going around and talking about it does create awareness."
All the women used everyday objects to help tell their stories and Ms Williams held the wristwatch she wore on the day she was attacked which had stopped at 2.26pm.
She told the guests: