High profile supporters endorse Freedom from Torture's new DRC report

This week Freedom from Torture released a report on the routine use of sexual violence as a method of torture by state security officials in detention centres throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in areas well out of the conflict zones.

Timed to coincide with the global momentum around the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence In Conflict, the report has received support from not only from the media and other charitable organisations, but also some of our high profile supporters.

Juliet Stevenson CBE, an actress famed for her stage and film roles including Death and the Maiden, Truly Madly Deeply, Bend it Like Beckham and Mona Lisa Smile, is a patron of Freedom From Torture. She released a statement this week saying she is...

"Proud to be a Patron of a unique charity... which services victims of torture from around the world and also speaks out against the brutal practices of torture and sexual violence. They have released a horrifying but very important report into sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)."

Her full statement can be read here >>

Sue MacGregor, renowned BBC Radio 4 broadcaster and CBE honoured for her services to broadcasting – best known for presenting the programmes Woman's Hour and Today, has been a supporter for many years. She released a statement voicing her support for Freedom from Torture's campaign:

"This is a disturbing and important report (which) focuses on sexual violence outside war situations... We can go a long way towards helping them by supporting Freedom from Torture's recommendations for action."

Stephen Fry, comedian, actor, writer and activist -known for his many roles on multiple media, including Blackadder, Kingdom and BBC television quiz show QI, and most recently playing Malvolio in Twelfth Night on Broadway, regularly supports Freedom from Torture with his immense Twitter presence. His Tweet below ensured Freedom from Torture's DRC report had a potential social media reach of 8 million.

"Outraged that rape and sexual torture are used to silence outspoken women in the #DRC? See @freefromtorture's report http://bit.ly/reportDRC"