Mothers’ Union Launch Domestic Abuse Exhibition

Sixteen stories of domestic abuse victims’ experiences are being curated in an exhibition for Mothers’ Union campaign. The Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of Llandaff has partnered with Restored and Live Fear Free to create awareness and a call to action against gender-based violence in churches around Wales.

The ‘Behind Closed Doors’ exhibition covers examples of different types of abuse including physical, psychological, financial, technological, and spiritual. Both female and male experiences from varying communities are represented in the voices of the survivors.

Each story is represented by a miniature door by which people can read or listen via a QR code to the account in English or Welsh. Each story is followed by a short reflection and prayer.

The doors are accompanied by cut-out people which sit in pews and chairs to encourage people to think about the possibility that’s there are survivors who are still at risk, in need or are vulnerable in their community.

President of Llandaff Mothers’ Union Sue Rivers and lead of the project said, “Mothers’ Union is committed to creating positive change to prevent domestic abuse and support survivors. We have developed this exhibition to address the lack of awareness of the different types of domestic abuse, including spiritual abuse, and to support those experiencing problems in their relationships by signposting the help available. Case studies of survivor stories are distressing but provide hope, that it is possible to be free of the abuser with prayer and support.”

Sue has also been working with the Church in Wales Safeguarding Team to develop Domestic Abuse Guidance that sits within the Church in Wales Safeguarding Policy, Restored, a Christian charity involved in raising awareness of Domestic Abuse and Welsh Women’s Aid.

Ending domestic abuse and violence against women is one of the core objectives of the Mothers’ Union across the world. In September during her visit to Church in Wales Governing Body, Worldwide President of Mothers’ Union Sheran Harper opened her address to the conference with her experience meeting extreme domestic abuse victims around the world.

The Mothers’ Union project is in partnership with Restored, a Christian charity that speaks up on the realities of violence against women and girls, equips the Church to stand against domestic abuse, and supports survivors with networks and helplines.

CEO of Restored, Bekah Legg, said, “I am delighted that the Church in Wales is embracing this incredible resource from Mother's Union. The Behind Closed Doors exhibition is an invaluable insight into the real lives of those who have been subjected to domestic abuse. Recognising that domestic abuse is happening within our church congregations, as well as our wider communities, is a first step towards ending it. Each story highlights different aspects of domestic abuse, but every story demonstrates the impact of being hurt by someone who was meant to love you and the restoration that is possible when someone chooses to listen, believe and support.”

The Behind Closed Doors exhibition will begin circulation in October 2023. Churches can apply to be a host of the exhibition here. The exhibition will be on display in Llandaff Cathedral for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence which runs annually beginning on the first day of Advent.

Outreach and Social Justice Lead for the Diocese of Llandaff, Christoph Auckland, supports the Llandaff Mothers’ Union for the 16 days and continues to promote survivor resources in churches year-round. He said,

“I am incredibly humbled by the work of Mother’s Union to raise awareness of and combat violence against women, a shameful stain on society that destroys lives. Tragically we continue to see domestic abuse-related incidents increasing year on year – up by 7.7% in last year alone, and with the cost-of-living crisis giving perpetrators more opportunities to exert coercive control of their partners, this is only a worsening picture. Our faith offers us a radically different view of the world, one where violence and oppression cease, where coercive power is replaced by service and humility, and where justice prevails. The diocese is committed to working with Mother’s Union and other partners to launch initiatives and offer training over the next few months to eliminate violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence in Llandaff, in Wales, and across the world.”