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On International Women’s Day 2025 Women’s Aid Launches Powerful Children’s Book ‘The Monster Who Came to Tea’ Calls for Increased Government Funding for Domestic Abuse Survivors Women’s Aid has marked International Women’s Day with the release of a thought-provoking children’s book, The Monster Who Came to Tea, drawing attention to the stark realities of domestic abuse. While the story begins in a whimsical, bedtime tale format, it soon reveals a sobering narrative that exposes the trauma faced by women and children in abusive households. In the year ending March 2024, approximately 1.6 million women and 1.8 million children in England were affected by domestic abuse. Shockingly, fewer than one in ten of those affected received the necessary support through refuges or community services. This critical lack of resources is the focal point of Women’s Aid’s latest campaign, aimed at highlighting the glaring gap in support for child survivors of domestic abuse.
The Monster Who Came to Tea combines playful, rhyming couplets with a dark twist. The story follows a mother reading a bedtime story to her daughter about a seemingly friendly monster that visits their home, only for the situation to take a terrifying turn. The story, seen through the eyes of a child, underscores the stark contrast between the safety all children deserve and the painful reality that too many face every day. The story ends with the chilling knock of "daddy's home," before actress and domestic abuse advocate Anne-Marie Duff delivers a powerful narration: “This isn’t a story we’d ever choose to read to our children. Yet tragically, for so many, it isn’t fiction.” Anne-Marie Duff, known for her role in Bad Sisters, said of the project: “Narrating part of this harrowing story has been a cause incredibly close to my heart, and while it’s a privilege to be asked, I wish stories like this weren’t needed. I hope this tale encourages people to take note of what’s still happening within our society, because with increased awareness, we can create a safer future for both women and children.” In addition to the book, Women’s Aid has launched an open letter addressed to the Prime Minister, urging the government to provide urgent funding for specialist domestic abuse services. The charity previously campaigned for the Domestic Abuse Act of 2021 to acknowledge that children don't just witness abuse – they endure it. However, a troubling 31.4% of services for child survivors are operating without any government funding, a sharp increase from the previous year. This gap in support puts essential services at risk, leaving vulnerable women and children without the help they desperately need. The letter calls on the government to deliver dedicated funding for services supporting both women and children in England. Every signature is a step toward creating a better future for survivors of domestic abuse. Farah Nazeer, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “Countless women and their children live in fear every day, and this must change. We’re calling on the government to take urgent action and provide adequate funding for the lifesaving domestic abuse services that support those fleeing abuse. By signing our open letter, you can show your solidarity with women and children and spark the change we so desperately need. The Monster Who Came to Tea is not a story anyone would choose to read to their children, but sadly for many, this tale is not fiction. The Government’s pledge to halve violence against women in a decade will require tangible actions, not empty words.” Women’s Aid has also launched lesson plans for schools to help educate children about unhealthy relationships, as part of their ongoing commitment to ending domestic abuse. To support this campaign and help make a difference this International Women’s Day, sign the open letter and download a copy of The Monster Who Came to Tea today. Source: Women's Aid press release
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