The Diocese of Truro will today (November 25) join with organisations around the world in shining a spotlight on domestic abuse through the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign.

The campaign, which starts on what is also known as ‘White Ribbon Day’) and runs until December 10 (Human Rights Day), is an annual opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women and girls and calls for global solidarity to end violence against women and girls everywhere.

Violence against women is a major public health and human rights crisis, affecting almost one in three women in their lifetime. Yet, violence against women is preventable.

Truro Cathedral are once again hosting the LOUD Fence during the 16 Days. Do pop in and add your message to the fence.

The Truro branch of Mother’s Union is marking the campaign this year by encouraging churches to join in with the Red Chair Project. This asks churches to reserve one chair draped in red fabric with a sign highlighting facts about domestic violence. The empty chair serves as a powerful reminder that every 11 minutes globally a woman or girl dies at the hands of an intimate partner or family member.

Lora Prynn, Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Officer for the diocese, said: “We are proud to be supporting 16 Days of Action his year alongside Truro Cathedral. There are some amazing training opportunities running throughout the 16 days; we would encourage people to take a look at the Safer Cornwall website to see what’s available. There are also a number of resources which we would encourage parishes to display and circulate amongst their networks.”

How you can help

  • Join the campaign
  • Raise awareness about violence against women in all spheres of life and its long-term health, social and economic consequences.
  • Be an ally: challenge unequal gender norms, sexist behaviours and comments in your churches, homes, communities, workplaces and with your friends, relatives and colleagues.
  • Support survivors with empathy, without judgment, to access services and help.

For information on events taking locally during the 16 days, visit: https://safercornwall.co.uk/16-days-of-action/

#NoExcuse