Displays featuring words written by victims of abuse will be on show in churches across the Diocese of Norwich to highlight awareness of domestic abuse.
It’s part of the worldwide RISE UP campaign and Mothers’ Union members in the Diocese are actively participating in raising awareness.
The centrepiece of the displays will have pairs of shoes, men’s, women’s and children’s, from young and old. Alongside each pair of shoes are words of abuse victims, representing the pain and few of those who endure abuse in their relationships. Domestic abuse victims may be from any class, any gender, any ethnicity, any faith, rich or poor, young or old.
Few have the courage to walk away and it is often not safe to do so, but help and advice is available. Each display will have information of where to seek help, with local and national contact details. The hope is that victims may be encouraged, knowing they are not alone.
The campaign is supported by the Bishops of Norwich and Thetford. The Bishop of Thetford, the Rt Revd Ian Bishop writes:
“For anyone living with domestic abuse the immense pain, both physical and emotional, is a daily trauma and a scourge on our society. It is everyone’s responsibility to RISE UP against domestic abuse and gender based violence. I fully support the Mother’s Union projects including ‘Souls of our Shoes’ that raise awareness, challenge abuse and inform and empower victims. I really hope this campaign will transform attitudes and behaviours and help to end abuse forever.”
During July there will be displays in Thetford (St Cuthbert’s), Swaffham (Parish church) and Lowestoft (St Margarets).
During August in Norwich (St Peter Mancroft) and Fakenham (Parish Church).
More venues include Kings Lynn Minster, Gt Yarmouth Minster, Old Catton, St Mary’s Walsingham, Wroxham Benefice and Thorpe St Andrew.
Please lift in prayer those who have died, those unable to escape and those who have been fortunate enough to leave and are re-building their lives.
For more information about the RISE UP campaign contact the Mothers’ Union Diocesan President, Mrs Felicity Randall. 01328 862443 f.randall21@gmail.com