16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence

Dear friends,

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence takes place from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

I have been committed to taking part for several years now, and I want to ask you and your congregation to support the 16 Days in your community. The resources offered by Mothers’ Union in this mailing provide material and ideas for local church and community groups to join together in a vigil or take part in other ways. Further information at https://www.mothersunion.org/

Why is the 16 Days important? Because we know that, globally, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been subjected to physical or sexual violence at least once in their life; that in the UK 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men feel unsafe walking alone after dark in a busy public place, and that 1 in 5 girls feel unsafe at school.

The 16 Days focus our attention on these unacceptable realities which affect the safety and wellbeing of so many people. That is why I am asking for you and your congregation to take part this year, between 25 November and 10 December.

With warm regards,

Bishop Ian

For further information please click the links below:

16 days Vigil Service for Nov

Domestic Abuse letter to clergy