Former Spice Girls singer Melanie Brown, more commonly known as Mel B, has been awarded an MBE for services to charitable causes and vulnerable women. The singer has been a Women’s Aid Patron since 2018 and has used her platform to raise awareness of domestic abuse and the impacts that it has on those that experience it.
Mel B’s MBE is richly deserved, and it is fantastic to see someone of her celebrity status raising awareness of such an important cause.
Journey to MBE
Mel B has a personal experience of domestic abuse and that influenced her decision to join Women’s Aid as a Patron in 2018. Her experiences of domestic abuse were discussed in her book “Brutally Honest,” which she released a few years ago.
Over the past few years, she has “shouted from the rooftops” to raise awareness of domestic abuse and has fronted many of Women’s Aid’s awareness campaigns, including “Love Shouldn’t Hurt.” This excellent work did not go unnoticed and saw her awarded an MBE, which she received from the Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace.
When receiving the award, the former Spice Girl told the Press Association, “It's amazing to have but it's not just for me - it's for all those other women. I don't take it as it's my award because it's our award because we've survived.”
Celebrities & Domestic Abuse
Mel B’s story is further evidence that domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of whether they are famous or are perceived to have a really nice lifestyle.
There is often a misconception that domestic abuse only happens to those who live in not so nice areas, or have lower paid jobs, but this is incorrect.
By speaking out, the former Spice Girl has helped others experiencing domestic abuse realise that they are not alone and that there is support available for them.
It is excellent that she has used her experiences in a positive way to help others, and the singer was especially vocal during the pandemic when increases in the number of people experiencing domestic abuse were highlighted across the media.
There have been a few other celebrities that have spoken out about domestic abuse in the past, as well as Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, who has been a regular campaigner on the issue.
We all have a role to play in tackling domestic abuse and it is positive to see high profile figures, celebrities, and even television programmes playing their part to raise awareness and help those needing support.
If you have been affected by an experience of domestic abuse, you can reach out to us for support by calling 0300 561 0077. If you don’t feel safe to speak, you can still access support by using our LiveChat service or emailing adviceandsupport@leewaynwa.org.uk
