SUPPORTING A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARITY SABRINA ELBA OPENS UP ABOUT OVERCOMING TRAUMA AND BEING ENCOURAGED TO HELP OTHER WOMEN BY HER INSPIRING MOTHER

As a young teenager, Sabrina Elba experienced a turbulent and traumatic time when her mother escaped an abusive relationship, fleeing thousands of miles from Toronto to Vancouver with her five children – which is why supporting women in similar situations is a cause that is extremely important to her.

- SOPHIE HAMILTON

As a young teenager, Sabrina Elba experienced a turbulent and traumatic time when her mother escaped an abusive relationship, fleeing thousands of miles from Toronto to Vancouver with her five children - which is why supporting women in similar situations is a cause that is extremely important to her.

"I feel that in the UK, there isn't enough resource for women going through domestic abuse," says the 35-year-old model and businesswoman as she talks to HELLO! about the work of London-based domestic violence charity Storm Family Centre, which is taking part in Big Give's Women & Girls fundraising campaign.

Sabrina tells us: "One of the reasons I want to help is that my mum was a victim of domestic abuse by my stepfather.

"We come from the Somali community, which isn't necessarily supportive in speaking out about difficulties within your marriage." The model went on to become an ambassador for Storm Family Centre and became friends with its founder Marie Hanson, herself a survivor of domestic violence.

STARTING TO HEAL

Sabrina, who runs the S'Able Labs skincare brand with actor husband Idris, 52, and recently coproduced sci-fi thriller podcast Halfway with him, reveals how a round-table support session with her mum and women at the centre was cathartic for her.