Rihanna has donated $2.1 million (£1.67m) to the Mayor’s Fund in Los Angeles to assist victims affected by domestic violence during the coronavirus lockdown. The singer has teamed up with Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey to give a total of $4.2 million (£3.3m). Their combined donations will help to cover 10 weeks of support, including meals, shelter and counselling for families.

“Today we’re standing with all those affected by increased incidents of domestic violence as a result of the Covid-19 Safer At Home Order in Los Angeles,” a tweet from Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation explained. A further statement announcing the donations by the businesswoman – a domestic abuse survivor (she was attacked by her then-boyfriend Chris Brown in 2009). Dorsey said: “Victims of domestic violence exist all over the world, so this is just the beginning.”

Since the coronavirus outbreak, domestic violence rates across the world have risen. UN secretary general Antonio Guterres tweeted on 6 April: “Many women under lockdown for #COVID19 face violence where they should be safest: in their own homes. I urge all governments to put women’s safety first as they respond to the pandemic.” According to the charity Refuge, there has been a 25 per cent rise in phone calls to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline since lockdown began in the UK. France has experienced a 30 per cent national increase, while Spain has reported its emergency number for domestic violence received 18 per cent more calls during the first two weeks of lockdown. The UK government is currently working with charities to provide financial support to domestic abuse helplines, with Priti Patel, the secretary of state, saying the 120 per cent increase in people currently seeking help is “extremely concerning”.

Previously published on British Vogue

Style File: Rihanna

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Style File: Rihanna

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Susan Devaney