Sandra Horley has been the Chief Executive of Refuge, the national domestic violence charity, since 1983. She has been working in the field of domestic violence for almost four decades, supporting women and children experiencing all forms of male violence and abuse.
A committed campaigner on behalf of abused women and children, Sandra has not only played a pivotal role in raising the profile of domestic violence in the UK amongst the public, she has lobbied effectively for changes in government policy and legislation. She also advises governments internationally on gender-based violence and criminal justice.
Sandra received a CBE in 2011 for 'services to the prevention of domestic violence' and an OBE in 1999 for 'services to the protection of women and children'. Under her leadership, Refuge was named Charity of the Year 2016 at the Charity Times Awards for its outstanding services and dedication to its clients in a difficult funding climate. Refuge currently supports almost 5,000 women and children on any given day.