The charity Mothers’ Union has joined together in partnership with Women’s Aid to support the Come Together to End Domestic Abuse campaign, urging everyone to play their part in ending domestic abuse.
Women’s Aid estimate that 1.6 million women experience domestic abuse every year, though many victims don’t report abuse due to fear of being judged or not believed.
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 has partnered with Women’s Aid for this new campaign demonstrating how we can make a difference if we all come together.
How to get involved?
Women’s Aid and Mothers’ Union have shared five ways that that everybody can help. They are asking members to share photos of hands coming together, just like the campaign logo, and share these using the hashtag #MUEndAbuseTogether and #EndAbuseTogether.
The aim is to show – anonymously if safer – how people are coming together to end domestic abuse.
The five suggested ways we can all help include:
- 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 the Women’s Aid website.
- Speak up – show we are standing up against domestic abuse together. Send in photos and stories about what you are doing in your local area or online to help stop domestic abuse and support survivors. The campaign aims to show positive examples of how we can make a difference to encourage others to join.
“Whether it’s through fundraising, campaigning, or dispelling myths, we all have a responsibility to help end domestic abuse, and we can all make a difference,” said Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women’s Aid. She continued:
“It is up to all of us to help ensure women and children are safe, and I encourage everyone to play their part. By coming together and joining forces, we can make a real difference to the lives of women and children, helping to achieve a world where domestic abuse is no longer tolerated.”
Bev Jullien, Mothers’ Union CEO, added:
“I’m very proud that Mothers’ Union are the first national charity to partner with Women’s Aid on the Come Together to End Domestic Abuse campaign. Our 45,000 members across the UK are taking action, sharing information and supporting their communities to end domestic abuse. Together we can end all forms of domestic abuse.”