MU's 16 Days of Activism against Domestic Violence

The 16 Days of Activism takes place from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) until 10 December (International Human Rights Day).

And the MU here in the Diocese of Salisbury are joining their fellow members from across the world in launching a campaign against domestic and gender based violence and linking it strongly to our Diocesan ethos of Renewing Hope.

Throughout the campaign, the Mothers’ Union will join with other organisations and civil society groups globally to raise awareness of, and call for an end to, gender-based violence in all forms and in all societies, especially domestic abuse.

Here in the Diocese of Salisbury the Mother’s Union has broken down their campaign into four elements linking in with Pray Serve Grow and using the letters P R A Y as their guide.

Rosemary Stiven, President of MU in the Diocese of Salisbury, said:

“We are being Practical, giving support to victims of gender based violence at our holiday home for families at Rockley Park, Poole, and our residential hotel break which is entirely run by this Diocese in Sidmouth.

“We also provide Refuge, through our support of Refuges in the Diocese and the Mothers' Union raises Awareness of domestic violence in our community and provides funds for our local Contact Centre, in Salisbury, which supports families at risk.

“And we are saying Yes, to highlighting this campaign at our special annual Service in Salisbury Cathedral on December 4th. Our particular focus then is to support the families in the Salisbury Women's Refuge with financial donations and practical gifts of household items, baby toiletries and ladies' personal items.”

While this campaign is for 16 days, the MU is constantly supporting both the refuge and the holiday provision. The Salisbury Law Court Cafe, which is run by members and supporters, generate funds to support the family holidays and the contact centre.

Rosemary added: “The cup of love served by our team at the Court Cafe goes a long way in support of families caught up in the cycle of violence and abuse in the Diocese.”

Mothers’ Union Chief Executive, Bev Jullien said:

“Combatting domestic violence is at the heart of what many Mothers’ Union members do around the world - whether it is supporting women with practical help at a local level or lobbying governments for fairer treatment of women marginalised as a result of negative practices.

“At least one in three women globally will experience some form of gender-based violence in their lifetime. This is one in three too many!”

Mothers’ Union has provided its members and anyone interested in taking part in the 16 Days Campaign with a wealth of resources that can be downloaded on the website. To find out more click here.

Click here to watch the film “Walking through Domestic Abuse”.

The Cathedral service on Tuesday 4 December at 12 noon is open to all.