BECKY'S STORY
Why the charity exists, in Becky's mother's words
Rebecca 'Becky' Dykes was my daughter. She was warm, adventurous, curious about the world, and deeply committed to helping others. Working at the British Embassy in Beirut, she built friendships wherever she went and had a gift for making people feel seen and valued.
When Becky was killed in Beirut on 16 December 2017, our family was devastated. In the years that followed, I found myself returning to one question: how could we honour her life in a way that might help protect others?
Becky’s Button grew from that question. Founded in Becky’s memory, the charity is built on the belief that we must do more than respond to violence after it occurs. We must do everything we can to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Through education, practical tools and early intervention, we work alongside young people, schools, universities and communities to help create a future where fewer people experience violence, abuse and harm.
Becky’s life continues to inspire this work every day. Her loss is the reason we began, but prevention is our purpose.
Jane Houng
Founder and Chair of Trustees

- 16 December 2017
Rebecca is killed in Beirut. Her family chooses to answer with action.
- In the years since
Jane Houng and people who knew Rebecca's values build Becky's Button around prevention and early intervention, not just response.
- December 2024
Jane Houng receives the Elizabeth Emblem at Windsor Castle, recognising Rebecca's humanitarian public service.
Recognition
The Elizabeth Emblem
In December 2024, Jane Houng received the Elizabeth Emblem at Windsor Castle, national recognition of Rebecca's humanitarian public service, and of the prevention work carried out in her memory.
See what that work looks like today