In the News
Here are the latest stories making the news with links to media coverage
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February 2024
International Investment Appointment
The World Business Angels Investment Forum, has announced that Andrea Aviet BEM, has been appointed as International Partner for the UK and will represent the country at the Grand Assembly of the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF).
The appointment provides a wide range of opportunities for start-ups, scaleups and high growth businesses and opens doors for economic development.
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In welcoming Andrea, Baybars Altuntas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the World Business Angels Investment Forum says “As an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnerships for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), the WBAF supports start-ups, develops entrepreneurial ecosystems, and helps venture capital and companies connect with international companies, fin-techs and other relevant institutions."
Andrea, who is currently developing the Andrea Aviet Organisation, welcomes the appointment. She says: "I am delighted to be selected as the UK representative of the WBAF. I fully support their global efforts to ease access to finance, promote financial inclusion and create more jobs and social justice."
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WBAF accomplishes its mission through various parties and channels. These include: 138 high commissioners, senators and international partners from 79 countries; 7 country offices on 5 continents; the WBAF Business School and its more than 50 faculty members from 32 countries; and 5 international working committees. WBAF also has an angel investment fund, partnerships with 12 global institutions, and economic cooperation agreements with 5 governments.
The WBAF World Congress, held in February of each year, hosts at least 5 summits and numerous other events, including a Global Fundraising Stage and a World Excellence Awards ceremony. WBAF also boasts a number of publications, among which are the WBAF Business School Journal, World Class Startup Magazine, and Angel Investor Review Online.
January 2024
New Year - New Chapter
- Top 100 Influential People 2024
The last year has been both productive and challenging, yet all the hard work by Andrea in developing the next chapter in her story has been recognised in a prestigious award which has identified her in the Top 100 Influential People of 2024 who affect and impact society today.
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The accolade pays tribute to how Andrea draws on her own experiences to encourage victims and survivors to rebuild their lives and not to be defined by their past; in particular her plans this year to officially launch her 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 in the past 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 last year Andrea organised a Parliamentary Panel on domestic abuse supported by MPs, peers, professionals and lead agencies. It also viewed her short film Don’t Cry which has won international awards including the Cannes Festival.
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Photocaptions: Top - Andrea receiving her British Empire Medal in 2019. Middle - Freedom of the City of London, awarded last year. Bottom: Parliamentary panel to mark International Women's Day 2023.
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March 2023
Parliamentary Screening and Panel
- 'Don't Cry' film released
Andrea Aviet’s first short film - Don't Cry - has received a Parliamentary screening followed by a panel discussion to mark International Women's Day 2023, ahead of its release online. See the Films page.
The powerful five-minute film has received accolades and awards at international festivals around the world.
The UK Parliamentary event was host sponsored on her behalf by Sarah Jones MP, who is also the Shadow Minister for Policing. She participated in the panel together with the vice-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Domestic Violence Baroness Gabrielle Bertin and Jess Phillips MP, Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding.
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Brining a front-line response perspective were panellists Louisa Rolfe OBE, Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service where she is lead on violence against women and girls, and is also the National Police Chief's Council lead on domestic abuse, plus Catherine Hinwood OBE, the NHS England Senior Lead on Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence.
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Andrea Aviet was joined on the panel by 'Don't Cry' Director Linzy Attenborough and SamiArt Founder Samia Tossio.
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The panel was chaired by distinguished broadcaster and conference host Nadine Dereza.
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You can listen to the sessions held at Portcullis House in Westminster, London, on Thursday 9 March here:
January 2023
Freedom of the City of London
Andrea Aviet has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London in a court ceremony this month. Pictured inside the Chamberlain’s Court: Left to right: Laura Miller – Clerk of the Chamberlain’s Court, Andrea Aviet BEM, Daniel Herbert – Chamberlain’s Court Beadle.
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Andrea was nominated for the Freedom in recognition of her extensive work in London and beyond to encourage women to escape abusive relationships and rebuild their lives by sharing her own personal story at UK and international events, through the media, publishing a book and producing an award-winning short film.
“It is very symbolic to be made a Freeman of the City of London,” said Andrea Aviet. “Ten years ago I had my freedom stolen from me in a cruel coercive controlling and debilitating abusive relationship. Now I have not only regained my freedom of self-determination as a woman and human being but also have the opportunity to help others find the courage to do the same.
“This ceremony and the message it sends will, I hope, inspire more women to see that it is possible to escape from an abusive relationship and take back control of your own life and regain your personal freedom and self-respect.”
The medieval term 'freeman' meant someone who was not the property of a feudal lord but enjoyed privileges such as the right to earn money and own land. Town dwellers who were protected by the charter of their town or city were often free – hence the term 'freedom' of the City.
Andrea added, “The current pressures being faced through the cost-of-living crisis in the wake of the pandemic is putting incredible pressure on relationships, at all levels in society, that can ultimately boil over into domestic abuse and violence.
“I am very proud to become a Freeman and grateful to the City of London for recognising me in this way and thus demonstrating their support for all those facing similar challenges. This reinvigorates my determination to battle on to help more victims of coercive control.”
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Andrea was nominated by former City of London Corporation Common Councilman Chris Punter. He Said, “I was very impressed with Andrea’s commitment to help victims of coercive control, in London and further afield, to escape domestic abuse and to rebuild their lives. I have the highest regard for her work and unrelenting determination to help others after everything she has endured. She is a worthy recipient of the Freedom of the City of London.”
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Andrea Aviet read the following declaration in court:
"I do solemnly swear that I will be good and true to our Sovereign Lord King Charles the Third; that I will be obedient to the Mayor of this City; that I will maintain the Franchises and Customs thereof, and will keep this City harmless, in that which in me is; that I will also keep the King's Peace in my own person; that I will know no Gatherings nor Conspiracies made against the King's Peace, but I will warn the Mayor thereof, or hinder it to my power; and that all these points and articles I will well and truly keep, according to the Laws and Customs of this City, to my power."
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The Copy of the Freedom – a parchment document beautifully inscribed by a calligrapher - was presented to Andrea together with a copy of the ‘Rules for the Conduct of Life’ which date from the mid-18th century. She signed the Register of Freemen and was greeted as ‘a Citizen of London’.
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One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237. As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.
December 2022
International accolades continue
- Manhattan, Bangalore, Tokyo and London
Andrea Aviet’s first short film - Don't Cry - has received even more accolades with further selections, nominations and awards in the last quarter of the year.
The powerful five-minute film is being screened at festivals around the world, including Manhattan - New York, Tokyo, Bangalore and London.
The campaigning story is based on Andrea Aviet’s own real-life experience and demonstrates how she’s now become a role-model for others seeking the confidence to put an abusive past behind them and rebuild their lives.
“It’s an honour to have my first film screened at so many international festivals,” stated Andrea. “I look forward to using the opportunity to further raise the profile of abused women around the world.”
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Don't Cry has received 9 awards and a further 19 selections and nominations in 2022. You can read an interview with Andrea by the Utah Film Festival here.
Awards:
Global Short Film Awards (Cannes) – Best Social Concern Film
11th Bangalore Shorts Film Festival – Best PSA
WRPN Women’s International Film Festival – Award of Excellence - PSA
Best Shorts Competition – Winner/Award of Recognition – Public Service Programming/PSA
Depth of Field Int Film Fest – Award of Excellence - PSA
Accolade Global – Winner award of merit
London Rocks International Film Festival – Winner: Spirit of London award
International Film Festival Manhattan – Silver Achievement Award Winner – commercial
My Hero International Film Festival – Honourable Mention – Narrative
Selection/nomination:
Cannes World Film Festival – official selection
Beyond the Curve International Film Festival – Nominee Best Women’s Film
San Francisco Arthouse Short Festival – finalist
Oregon – Best short drama award finalist
North Europe – Official selection
Australian Inspirational – Official selection
Brighton Rocks – official selection
Courage – semi-finalist
Aphrodite Film Awards – Nominee/Finalist Best Commercial
Fusion Film Festival – Best Short Film Nominee
Overcome Film Festival – Jury Prize Nominee – Best International Short Film
Utah Film Festival and Awards 2023 – Nominee – Commercials/PSA
Alder International Short Film Festival, Chicago – Selection
International Cosmopolitan Film Festival of Tokyo – Selection
Awareness Festival – Selection
International Women’s Film Festival – Nominee
Perth Christian Film Festival - nomination
ARTS x SDGS Festival - selection
Reel Deal Film Festival - Selection
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August 2022
Two More Film Awards
The short social campaigning film Don't Cry has won two more awards at international film festivals.
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It has been awarded certificates of Excellence at both the Depth of Field International Film Festival 2022 in the PSA category and also in the WRPN Women's International Film Festival 2022.
This brings the total number of accolades, official selections and screenings to 14. You can read more on the Films page.
July 2022
Don't Cry - First UK Screening
- global awards update
Andrea Aviet’s first short film - Don't Cry - has received its UK ‘premiere’ at the Brighton Rocks Film Festival. The first British screening took place on Saturday 23 July at the prestigious south coast film festival.
The powerful five-minute film is receiving accolades and awards from around the world, including this year’s Cannes Film Festival as Best Social Concern Film at the Global Short Film Awards Gala.
The campaigning story is based on Andrea Aviet’s own real-life experience and demonstrates how she’s now become a role-model for others seeking the confidence to put an abusive past behind them and rebuild their lives.
“It’s an honour to have my first film screened in Britain at Brighton Rocks,” stated Andrea. “I look forward to using the opportunity to further raise the profile of abused women in the UK and around the world.”
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In addition to the GSF award at Cannes, Don’t Cry made the official selection in the Cannes World Film Festival 2022 and has also been honoured with Winner - award of recognition - at the Best Shorts Competition; Best PSA at the Bangalore Film Festival, India; received a Certificate of Excellence at the Beyond the Curve Film Festivals and was also a winner with an award of merit at the Accolade Global Film Competition.
The film has been screened at the Oregon Short Film Festival as a finalist in the ‘Best Dark Drama Micro Film Award’; Finalist in San Francisco Arthouse Short Festival 2022 and the Aphrodite Film Awards 2022; It was also a semi-finalist in the Courage Film Festival 2022; and made the official selection for the Australian Inspirational Film Festival 2022 and the North Europe International Film Festival – London Edition 2022. Read more here.
Andrea hopes her book can be turned into a full-length feature drama for international television or theatrical release and that screenings in Cannes, Brighton and other festivals will demonstrate the potential for a film which tackles these dark times in a way that offers hope of escape for millions of domestic abuse victims around the world today.
June 2022
More Film Awards
The short social campaigning film Don't Cry is winning more awards and screenings at international film festivals. Following its success in Cannes, it has received further accolades and has been selected for screening in San Francisco, Tokyo and Australia. It's based on Andrea Aviet’s own real-life experience and demonstrates how she’s now become a role-model for others seeking the confidence to put an abusive past behind them and rebuild their lives.
“It’s an honour to have my first film selected for awards,” stated Aviet. “I look forward to using the opportunity to further raise the profile of abused women around the world.”
Producer Aviet also appears in the short film which she commissioned from director Linzi Attenborough at Thought Juice Films. She now campaigns on behalf of other victims and empowers them to take back control of their lives, move on and not to be defined by their past.
Aviet hopes her book can be turned into a full-length feature drama for international television or theatrical release and that these awards for Don’t Cry will demonstrate the timely potential for a film which tackles these dark times in a way that offers hope of escape for the millions of domestic abuse victims around the world today.
Synopsis: Don't Cry
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Globally, an estimated 736 million women – almost 1 in 3 – have been subjected to physical and /or intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once in their life (30% of women aged 15 and over)
“Throughout our lives we wear many different faces,” says Andrea Aviet in the opening sequences of this short campaigning film in which she appears as herself. It chronicles three faces of her experience. First as the happy expectant bride, subsequently contrasted with the face of despair in the depths of coercive control, belittled by her controlling partner.
We see Andrea pray for the strength to walk out and take her children with her, to start a new life. Her young children try to comfort her: “Don’t cry mummy,” they plead.
Finally, she escapes and regains dignity, hope and a face of confidence. She concludes, “My happiest face is the brave one I wear today.”
May 2022
Cannes Film Festival Award
A short film based on Andrea's book White Sorrow has been receiving screenings and awards around the world. The Global Short Film Awards Gala took place during the Cannes Film Festival in France on Friday 20 May. The campaigning story - Don’t Cry - won in the category of Best Social Concern Film.
BBC World Service radio caught up with Andrea as she was preparing to leave for the awards ceremony in Cannes. Domestic abuse and coercive control is an issue which affects millions of women around the world. You can hear the interview by clicking on the video - we're not sure why the interviewer called her Anna.
Andrea also spoke to Radio News Hub which feeds news bulletins and features to over 400 English-language radio stations in the UK, Europe, Middle-East and Asia. You can hear her comments by clicking the video
Less than 40% of women who experience violence seek help of any sort.
April 2022
Andrea features on IMDb
Andrea Aviet has been featured in the film industry website IMDb in recognition of her work as a producer and actor in a new short film. She has been called Inspirational, fearless and a humanitarian at heart. The day she decided to put pen to paper to write White Sorrow was the changing point in her life.
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See the full listing here
March 2022
IWD Event in London
London, UK - Press reported on a free International Women's Day event created by Andrea and other volunteers to encourage women to rebuild their lives after domestic abuse and look good to feel good.
In addition to providing free mini-makeovers, massages, mindfulness and pampering sessions, there were empowering and inspirational talks. Special guests who support Andrea’s work attended the event, including the Queen’s local representative, Deputy Lord Lieutenant for the London Borough of Croydon, Colonel Ray Wilkinson.
The Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Sherwan Chowdhury, was also there. He said: “I am delighted to support this free event and congratulate all the organisers for helping to empower the women of Croydon in this way. "
Sarah Jones MP for Croydon Central sent a video message of support: “International Women’s Day is important for all women to feel empowered to be the best that they can be." See the video.
Andrea added special thanks for all the hard work put in by a big team. She said: “This event was so successful because of the people who helped make it happen. Especially Noveen Sheraz who helped with all the shopping for decorations, making the food and posting on social media; plus Marie Bartlett and Carmen Vela who were invaluable. Without them I would not have had the support and leg work needed to help pull this off. Everyone played their part.”
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See one of the many local press reports here
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MEDIA LINKS
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Below is a cross-section of links to the newspapers and websites that carried the story and video:
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March 2022
International Women's Day
Andrea Aviet reached out to support and encourage victims of domestic abuse on International Women's Day by sharing her story with hundreds of media outlets across the UK and beyond. PA Media syndicated an article and video which appeared in major regional and national media and websites.
Andrea told journalists: “I know what it’s like. I went through hell. You end up blaming yourself and it’s too easy to remain trapped by the past even after escaping domestic abuse. I was determined to take back control of my life and I want to empower other women to do the same.
“Part of that journey for me was regaining self-respect, looking after myself. I found if I looked good, I felt good about myself and empowered to sort out my life and my finances. So, I tell other women they can be glamorous without guilt.”
Andrea raised the profile of coercive control through self-financing and publishing a book about her experiences in 2016: White Sorrow charts her journey from a dream wedding that descended into a nightmare marriage of starvation and mental torture, only summoning the courage to escape her controlling husband when she feared for the safety of her two young children.
Her campaigning talks and support for other women resulted in her being recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours in 2019 when she was awarded the British Empire Medal for her services to domestic abuse victims and survivors.
She adds: “The pandemic has been a dark time for many women either trapped in an abusive relationship or struggling to overcome the trauma while isolated from friends and relatives.”
February 2022
Brilliance Business TV
Andrea appeared on this IPTV show hosted by interviewer Mark Stephen Pooler.
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The show notes stated: Andrea Aviet is an inspiration in her courage and in how she has turned her life around... to motivate other women to think of themselves and not accept abuse of any form.
January 2022
Mother, Survivor and Warrior
Andrea featured in this special feature in Global Woman Magazine. It reported how, after years of marital abuse, she made the courageous decision to walk away with the confidence to protect herself and her children.
The article stated: The mother and warrior is an inspiration to many women who have been a victim of domestic violence, using her negative experience to encourage women to prioritise themselves.
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Read the full article here
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2019
Queen's New Year's Honour
In January 2019 Andrea Aviet was awarded the British Empire Medal by Her Majesty the Queen in recognition of her campaigning work for victims of domestic abuse.
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The official announcement stated: Andrea Aviet was awarded a British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours List 2019 for her campaign against domestic violence and abuse. She shared her own experience in her book, White Sorrow, which was self-published and self-funded with the aim of giving other women inspiration to get out of abusive relationships. She supports the charity Impact Family Services which caters to every member of the family in times of separation and divorce; domestic violence and abuse; and for young people affected by relationship breakdown.
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The media reported on her award extensively - here is an example from the Huffington Post
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They reported: Andrea Aviet BEM (British Empire Medal), campaigns tirelessly around domestic abuse and is being honoured for her services to victims and survivors. “I work tirelessly to help abused women. People see abused women as being frail, frightened. You can’t do anything, you’re scared. I know how they feel, because I was abused."​
2018
1000 Londoners
Andrea was selected to feature in a video portrait of Londoners featuring 1000 people from across the UK capital. It forms a unique digital portrait featuring people of all ages, religions, race, income, interests and opinions.
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The aim of the project is to improve understanding and community cohesion by enabling Londoners to learn more about the people who share their city. See more here
2017
University Event on Coercive Control
While touring the country to promote her book 'White Sorrow', Andrea was invited to attend Salford University.
Around 60 people met to discuss coercive control in relationships and to hear testimonies of women’s experience of this damaging abuse. As well as being proud to read out excerpts from her book, Andrea was very moved to hear other women’s stories – all different but all with the same echoing theme.
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Her blog was published by the Sylvia Pankhurst Gender and Diversity Research Centre at Manchester Met here
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'MY PAST FORGED MY FUTURE' . article in #Youth4Good, Article 9 by Andrea Aviet
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Read the article here
2016
White Sorrow published
In 2016 Andrea Aviet launched her Book White Sorrow. It’s a self-published auto-biographical account of an abusive marriage and her escape in 2013 from coercive control inflicted by her former husband.
When Andrea met Mark whilst holidaying in the UK and visiting family, she thought she had found a promise of 'happy ever after'. But very soon the reality of her marriage is revealed in all its torment and emotional, and physical abuse.
This raw and brutally honest true story about one woman's journey from riches to rags, through an abusive marriage, gives an insight into the shocking reality of 21st century slavery in Britain.
How far does one mother go to have a future with her children? What must she do to survive?
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Buy the book in paper back our for Kindle on Amazon here
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White Sorrow Descends on North East
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An author who is based in London, has turned to the North East for all the solutions of publishing and marketing her new book, landing three of the region’s companies a new client win.
Read the full Business Daily story here
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Andrea was interviewed about White Sorrow by 'Boots, Shoes and Fashion' - you can read the full interview here
The publication of Andrea's book featured in the Northern Insights magazine (page 71) here