Duchess of Cornwall visits Bahrain women's refuge

The Duchess of Cornwall has visited a women's refuge in the Middle East to raise the issue of domestic violence.

Camilla went to the Dar Al Amam Women's Refuge in Bahrain during a royal visit to the region with Prince Charles.

She spoke to staff about women's rights and heard stories from survivors.

The duchess also backed plans for a new family court to be built in the area, which she hoped would "happen quickly."

The duchess said: "These women, victims of domestic abuse, are able to tell their story so it can be published in the media because the more people that read about it, the more others come out of the shadows and talk about it themselves."

She compared the situation with that in Britain, quoting statistics that as many as two people die each week because of domestic violence in the UK.

She was told that police in Bahrain now take women who complain of domestic violence to hospital straight away so their injuries can be proven.

Women who get divorced without proof lose their rights, while those who do have proof are able to divorce their husband and keep their rights.

Refuge director Huda Ebrahim Al Mahmood said: "It is a political issue. Here we have some interpretations of Islam.

"For example, women having to ask their husbands before she leaves the house, they are also allowed to beat her for punishment."

After the visit, Mrs Al Mahmood said she had been "impressed" by the duchess's interest, humbleness and encouragement.

"She is really keen to know about experiences," she said. "She made us feel open and able to talk, she is such a nice person."

Mrs Al Mahmood added: "We are not giving up - us women never give up. We are trying and trying hard to help people as much as we can.

"As Her Royal Highness said, it is a world issue, it is not just Bahrain cultural or religious issues."

While Camilla visited the refuge, Prince Charles attended a remembrance service at the war memorial in the Old Christian Cemetery - one of two Christian cemeteries on the island.

Dressed in his white uniform, he met senior military representatives and UK veterans, then laid a wreath on the memorial, followed by Bahraini representatives, foreign ambassadors and military officials.

Camilla finished her solo engagements by watching a rehearsal of the Bolshoi Ballet at the Bahrain National Theatre, meeting dancers Anna Nikulina and Artem Ovcharenko.

She praised the dancers and said she would to try to see the company when it came to London.