Hollywood star Patrick Stewart backs domestic violence scholarship project

Sep 10 2009 By Neil Atkinson

SUPERSTAR actor Patrick Stewart has launched a new scholarship – to tackle domestic violence.

And the actor and Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield revealed it is a cause close to his heart as his mother was a victim.

Stewart is also patron of Refuge, which is a national charity supporting women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

The world-famous actor said he was honoured to be asked to give his name to the scholarship.

Mirfield-born Stewart said: “I am proud to offer this scholarship for the study of children and domestic violence.

“I have very personal cause to support work in this area: when I was a child I witnessed violence against my mother.

“This is why I accepted the role of patron of Refuge. I have seen first-hand the work this incredible charity does to support women and children escaping domestic violence and I know that it really does save lives.”

The recruitment process for the talented graduate got underway this week for what will be the first-ever PhD scholarship between a university and Refuge.