On 11 October, the International Day of the Girl Child, Mothers’ Union joins with Women’s Aid to support their Come Together to End Domestic Abuse campaign so that no girl is raised in a world of abuse.
Mother’s Union has stated that an estimated 1.6 million women experience domestic abuse every year, with one in seven children and young people under the age of 18 having lived with domestic violence at some point in their childhood. Three women are killed each fortnight by a current or ex-partner, highlighting that so much change is needed before women and children are safe.
Mothers’ Union is the first national charity to partner with Women’s Aid Federation of England in this new campaign. While domestic abuse affects people throughout society and at every stage of life, by coming together Mothers’ Union members are committing to raise awareness, dispel myths and take action to End Domestic Abuse.
Bishop Rachel Treweek says: “It is no surprise that Mothers’ Union are the first charity to partner with Women’s Aid England on this campaign. A force for good in both Church and community, this partnership builds on their existing commitments to build safer and stronger churches and communities. By coming together, we are truly able to make a difference and help end domestic abuse.”
How to get involved
Women’s Aid and Mothers’ Union have shared five ways to help:
- Make a change where you are – whether it’s your workplace, school or sports club. Is there a domestic abuse policy? Is there a poster in the bathroom or in communal spaces on how to get help? Has anyone had domestic abuse training?
- Dispel myths about domestic abuse and challenge sexism – it isn’t your fault if you are being abused by your partner and abuse doesn’t happen because the abuser was provoked. Sexist attitudes to women’s and men’s roles must be challenged to end domestic abuse.
- Take action, your voice counts – join campaigns for better government protection for survivors or fundraise to enable us to make a change. Hold a local event or take part in a challenge.
- Learn what to say to someone experiencing abuse – understand the reasons why it may not be easy to leave. Information can be found on Women’s Aid website: womensaid.org.uk
- Speak up – show we are standing up against domestic abuse together. Send us, Mothers’ Union and Women’s Aid, photos and stories about what you are doing in your local area or online to help stop domestic abuse and support survivors. We want to show positive examples of how we can make a difference to encourage others to join with us.
To amplify their voice, they are asking members to share photos of hands coming together, just like the campaign logo, and use the hashtags #MUEndAbuseTogether and #EndAbuseTogether. The aim is to show – anonymously if safer – how people are coming together to end domestic abuse.
Mothers’ Union CEO Bev Jullien explains how this partnership is just one piece of the puzzle: “This new partnership complements our members’ commitment to ending domestic abuse. From practical support such as new bedding and toasters for refuges through to training local community groups or advocating for policy changes to protect women and girls at national and international level, we will not stop until the abuse ends.
“I am proud that this partnership makes up part of our global commitment to end all forms of violence against women and girls and feeds into of our existing No more 1 in 3 campaign to see an end to 1 in 3 women worldwide being subjected to some form of violence or abuse during their lifetime. By joining together, Mothers’ Union and Women’s Aid are able to raise even more awareness, dispel myths and create safe spaces. Together, we can be the agents of change that ensures no girl has to grow up in a world of abuse and violence.”
More details about the partnership can be found here: www.mothersunion.org/partnerships/womensaid
Click here for more information about the Diocese of Gloucester’s ‘Raising awareness of domestic abuse‘ course on 1 November. There is a requirement that the course is completed by all clergy, PTO, Readers, Bishop and Pastoral visitors, Parish Safeguarding Officers, PCC and lay chapter members. To book a place, please email ku.gr1685937758o.coi1685937758dsolg1685937758@gnin1685937758iartg1685937758nidra1685937758ugefa1685937758s1685937758
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