Andrea Aviet

Andrea Aviet BEM became a passionate campaigner for victims of domestic abuse after enduring a toxic relationship of coercive control. Her highly acclaimed self-published book White Sorrow charts the heart-breaking journey from a fairy tale wedding, which descended into a nightmare existence, to finally regaining her freedom in 2013. But it was a struggle for her and her two young children. A decade later she draws on her own experiences to encourage victims and survivors to rebuild their lives and not to be defined by their past. This year she is launching a new media, arts and campaigning organisation to inspire women around the world with stories of hope through creative expression. Andrea has received widespread recognition for her work and was awarded a British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours List 2019 for her campaign against domestic violence and abuse. At the beginning of 2023 she was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of her work. In March Andrea organised a Parliamentary Panel on domestic abuse supported by MPs, peers, professionals and lead agencies. It also showed her short film Don’t Cry which has won international awards, including at the Cannes Festival.