Working together with Women’s Aid to help end domestic abuse

An estimated 1.6 million women experience domestic abuse every year, though that’s only the tip of the iceberg. One in seven children and young people under the age of 18 will have lived with domestic violence at some point in their childhood.

Many women don’t speak out due to fear or feeling ashamed – they never thought it would happen to them. They may be worried what others will say or what people will think about them. With three women being killed a fortnight by a current or ex-partner, so much needs to change before women are safe.

This year, Women’s Aid Federation of England launches Come Together to End Domestic Abuse. (Women’s Aid also has sister UK federations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and there is also Women’s Aid Ireland). We know there is no magic wand that will solve the significant societal issue that is domestic abuse. Domestic abuse affects people throughout society and at every stage of life. What we need is for people to come together and do what they can in their communities and workplaces. We are asking everyone if they will Come Together to End Domestic Abuse – women, men and young people together.

Shadow Minister for Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding, Jess Phillips MP says: “For domestic abuse to truly end it requires every part of society to take action. It is wonderful that the 45,000 Mothers’ Union members across Britain and Ireland are standing up and being counted, not only taking action as individuals but also sharing information and support with the wider community.” 

Speaking out on social media

Women’s Aid are also asking people to share their pictures of hands coming together, like their campaign logo, as you take an action to end domestic abuse, using the hashtag #EndAbuseTogether and our Mother’s Union hashtag for the campaign #MUEndAbuseTogether. We want people to show – anonymously if safer – how people are coming together to end domestic abuse.

Mothers’ Union ongoing fight against Domestic Violence

Mothers’ Union is committed to ending domestic violence and abuse, expressed through its year-round activities and campaigning as well as specific focuses (such as participating in the annual 16 Days campaign to end gender-based violence). MU members across the world look to identify the needs of those around them and work together with them, using resources available, including partnering with other organisations to work towards our common goals of peace, justice and safety for women and for everyone.

By joining together with Women’s Aid, we are able to raise even more awareness, dispel myths and create safe spaces. Together we are working towards a future where everyone can thrive, confronting injustice wherever we find it.

Mothers’ Union CEO, Bev Jullien explains how this partnership is just one piece of the puzzle: “This new partnership compliments our members’ commitment to ending domestic abuse. From practical support such as new bedding and toasters for refuges through to  training local community groups or advocating for policy changes to protect women and girls at national and international level, we will not stop until the abuse ends.

I am proud that this partnership makes up part of our global commitment to end all forms of violence against women and girls and feeds into our existing No more 1 in 3 campaign (www.mothersunion.org/global-day-2022) to see an end to 1 in 3 women worldwide being subjected to some form of violence or abuse during their lifetime. By joining together Mothers’ Union and Women’s Aid are able to raise even more awareness, dispel myths and create safe spaces. Together we can be the agents of change that ensures no girl has to grow up in a world of abuse and violence.”

You can download the flyer for the partnership here. You can also purchase it from our online shop here.