1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse in England and Wales1 and rises to almost 1 in 3 globally, accounting for an estimated 736 million women2.
These shocking statistics are one of the many reasons we are marking White Ribbon Day and the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Abuse today, as we aim to help raise awareness around safeguarding and how we can all help tackle the abuse of women and girls.
Over the next 16 days, we will be asking you to consider “Who’s in your church?” as we introduce you to eight characters via our social channels and explore a scenario based on lived experiences. The things we notice and the actions we do or don’t take can have a lasting effect on those around us. We want to change the perception that safeguarding is a tick-box exercise and for more to see it as a vital and missional part of our everyday Christian lives.
Each day’s post will share something about one of the characters, allowing you to make your own judgements and preconceptions as we journey through a possible narrative in a local church. Throughout the 16 days, we will share steps, tools and signpost to resources we can all use to play our part in making our communities safer spaces.
Like any good drama series, on the last day (10 December) we will reveal important information about our key characters to land the story. But the drama series metaphor shouldn’t soften the message. These will be issues, concerns and experiences many are living with.
We recognise that some will find the content shared over the next few days triggering and we would encourage anyone who does to seek support from your Parish Safeguarding Officer or the Diocesan Safeguarding Team on 01483 790379 or safeguarding@cofeguildford.org.uk.
Although we want to encourage everyone to engage and take action from today, there is a particular call for men and boys to make a stand against the abuse of women and girls. One way to do this is by taking on board the words of the White Ribbon promise and making them your own:
“I promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about men's violence against women.”
We would appreciate your help in spreading the word as wide as possible over the next 16 days. You can either share the content from our social channels or make use of the content via your own communication channels by signing up to the campaign here.
You can also make use of our video resources from last year’s campaign, as well as resources from the Church of England and some very helpful materials from the Mother’s Union.
References
1 https://refuge.org.uk/what-is-domestic-abuse/the-facts/
2 https://data.unwomen.org/global-database-on-violence-against-women