How we can respond to issues of domestic violence against women is in the spotlight.
Monday, November 25 is White Ribbon Day, encouraging men in what they can do to tackle issues of violence against women.
White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls.
Their aim is to prevent violence against women and girls by addressing its root causes.
They work with men and boys to change long-established, and harmful, attitudes, systems and behaviours around rigid gender norms and masculinity that perpetuate inequality and violence.
To support this campaign, the Church of England is hosting a series of in-person and online events to highlight the danger that women and girls face regularly, with various themes including abuse, coercive behaviour and stalking, the sex industry, and theological reflections on submission and relationships.
More on White Ribbon can be found here.
Also beginning on Monday, November 25 is the ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’ campaign, organised by the United Nations and supported by the Mothers’ Union, including in our diocese.
Elaine Swinhoe, President of the Mothers’ Union in the diocese, said: “Recently our focus has been on the plight of women who suffer any kind of violence.
"We want to highlight the ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’ campaign, and also the Mothers’ Union ‘Rise Up’ campaign, which seeks to raise awareness of domestic violence in this country.
“Mothers' Union lends its voice with other organisations, including UN Women, as we seek to highlight this issue not just for 16 days but for the whole year."
The ‘Rise Up’ campaign stands for Respond, Inform, Support, Empower, Unite and Pray, and has been supported by Her Majesty the Queen.
More on the 16 Days can be found here.
More on the ‘Rise Up’ campaign can be found here.