07 October 2023 , 21:08
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A women’s refuge backed by members of the Royal Family is being probed by police after it was accused of unlawfully kicking out a resident just days after she tried to kill herself.
Detectives are investigating the Hestia charity, which houses vulnerable women fleeing domestic violence endorsed by Princess Eugenie and Queen Camilla. Client Lindiwe Maqhubela, who fled an abusive partner during the pandemic, claims she was given an eviction notice within hours of being released from hospital after trying to end her life. She also alleges she suffered months of bullying and neglect. Officers are looking into claims that Hestia’s South London branch unlawfully evicted Lindiwe. Covered by criminal law and civil legislation, evictions must be carried out within a strict framework.
Princess Eugenie features on the charity's Twitter bannerLindiwe said: “I was traumatised, anxious and distraught as I had just come out of hospital but they put the eviction letter under my door giving me just 48 hours to leave. I feel that my human rights have been violated by Hestia’s domestic abuse service and it has deeply traumatised me.”
A staff whistle-blower who supported Lindiwe at the time spoke of a “pattern of abuse” towards women in Hestia’s care. Meanwhile, another resident, who lived in one of the charity’s refuges with her young child, told how she was suddenly slapped with a £2,000 rent arrears notice. Women pay rent and a service charge to stay with Hestia. Rent typically comes out of housing benefit and is not paid up front. The mum said: “Without the shelter, I was homeless. I felt terrified and hopeless. A refuge is supposed to be a place of safety and protection but not once did I feel like anybody cared.”
Queen Camilla learns more about the charity Hestia's Safe Spaces (PA)The charity has been backed by senior royals. Just weeks after Lindiwe’s ordeal, Princess Eugenie posed for a snap with Hestia chief executive Patrick Ryan at an anti-slavery event. The picture is used on Hestia’s social media. And Queen Camilla learned about Hestia’s partnership with Boots on a visit in 2020. There is no suggestion the Royal Family is aware of Lindiwe’s allegations.
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Lindiwe eventually found alternative accommodation and is trying to rebuild her life. But she fears for the safety of other women still under Hestia’s care, adding: “I need to speak out to stop this from ever happening again.” Last year, the charity supported nearly 4,000 women and children in London and the South East recovering from the trauma of domestic abuse, its website says. It also aids victims of modern slavery and people with mental health issues.
The Metropolitan Police said: “[We]received a report relating to several offences that were alleged to have occurred between 2021 and 2023. We are assessing the information and have met the informant to discuss the allegations in more detail.” Hestia boss Mr Ryan said the charity was speaking to service users and working with staff and third-party partners to make sure any appropriate action is taken. He added: “The safety and well-being of the thousands of women we support is always our most important priority. We are working hard to investigate what happened. We have been in touch with Ms Maqhubela and would welcome the opportunity to meet with her.” The Royal Family was approached for comment.