A gathering of the Mothers’ Union at Truro Cathedral on 27 Nov to raise awareness of violence against women and girls
A short service took place in the cathedral before those present took to the cathedral steps to hold a 3-minute silence as part of the Mother’s Union 1 in 3 Day of Action so named because 1 in 3 girls and women will experience domestic abuse during their lifetime.
This kind of abuse might involve physical or sexual violence either at home or in public, but it could also involve coercive and manipulative behaviour which limits the opportunities and choices available to a woman or girl.
It can affect any family or any woman, is not restricted to any section or part of society and is as present within church communities as elsewhere.
Diocesan Synod, which met on the same day, also held a three minute silence at 1:03 in witness to the suffering of so many women, and in commitment to ending this terrible evil.
Bishop Hugh says: “The first step is for everyone to find out more and to educate ourselves about gender based violence and domestic abuse. There is very good information available through
Restored, a Christian charity committed to ending violence against women in society and in the church. Their website is worth looking at and includes a very good resource pack for churches,
something I would love to see many churches making use of.
“The second is to engage men. The fact is that it is men who carry out this kind of violence and, writing as a man, it is on us to take responsibility. That means educating ourselves about what’s going
on. It means listening carefully to the experience of women. It means speaking to our sons, grandsons, godsons and nephews and teaching them about the issues. It means being ready to speak up when we see sexism or any hint of aggression or abuse towards a woman.
“And with that in mind, I have recently made the promise that the White Ribbon campaign invites all men to take – ‘to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence towards women’ and I am proud to wear a white ribbon as a public commitment to that promise. If you’re a man reading this,
I encourage you to make the same promise. After all it’s us men who are the cause of this terrible problem, and it’s us men who need to become the solution.
GETTING HELP
Restored: I need help is a Christian charity
Safer Futures is a service in Cornwall for women who are suffering domestic abuse or sexual violence; Call 0300 7774 777.
Adult Safeguarding Team: call 0300 1231116.
