Alex Scott has announced that all proceeds from the sales of her autobiography, ‘How (Not) To Be Strong’ will go to Refuge, the largest domestic abuse organisation in the UK.

The former Arsenal and England player made the announcement on social media after appearing on BBC’s Woman’s Hour, where she spoke about her own experiences growing up in a house blighted by domestic violence.

“When I did the interview with BBC Woman’s Hour it occurred to me, in that moment, what I had to do was to help other women and children in the same position in any way I can.” Scott explained in Twitter and Instagram posts earlier this week.

“I have since spoken with Refuge and learned all about what they do to help women and children. Thanks to all your support, I wanted to let you all know that all of the book sales will be going to the charity. My mum and I will work alongside them to continue to try and help do all we can to raise as much awareness on this subject as possible.”

In Scott’s autobiography, she details hearing her father being violent towards her mother whilst she and her brother were in bed in their East London home. She also explained how playing cage football as a youngster helped her to escape such a volatile and trauma-inducing environment.

There’s no denying it takes immeasurable courage to recount such painful memories, and it takes even more to stand up to those who’ve caused them. Scott should not only be applauded for her strength to talk about a societal issue like violence towards women, but should be protected at all costs.

Very few – especially in football – are willing to speak up for marginalised groups. Scott's recent actions have already shone a light on a topic that for far too long, people have refused to engage with.

To find out more about Refuge visit their website, and to purchase ‘How (Not) To Be Strong’ click here.