Rise Up against domestic violence.

What is Rise Up?

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It is Mothers’ Union’s global campaign for an end to gender based violence, including domestic abuse. We are not experts, but work with Women’s Aid and other groups to bring about change.

How?

This year we are raising awareness by displaying 2 white and 1 purple knitted hearts, to denote #No More 1 in 3 – the shocking statistic that 1 in 3 women and girls (and 1 in 4 men) are impacted by domestic violence or abuse.

When?

During our annual 16 Days of Activism from 25th November (International day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) until 10th December (International Human Rights Day).

Where?

At the Open Door café and at Chase Meadow Community Centre.

In other places, you may also encounter the Red Chair, for those women and girls who did not make it home; and the Souls of our Shoes display, a moving account from women who have walked the dangerous path.

What should I do?

· If you or someone you know is in peril, the helpline for Warwickshire is 0800 408 1552; in Coventry, call Coventry Haven’s #SafeToTalk helpline on 0800 111 4998.

You may like to join us in prayer:

God our Creator, we thank you for our shared calling as your children,

male and female together, to care for all of creation.

Forgive us when we fail to notice or to question that which is less than good:

when we condone or perpetuate violence of any kind.

Fill us with your Spirit of wisdom and help us to see the world

through your eyes of compassion and justice.

Give us courage to challenge and to change,

In the name of Jesus Christ our Liberator, Amen.

Erica Wishart

Lots more information can be found at www.mothersunion.org/riseup or speak to Val Brant, MU member.