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The Behind Closed Doors exhibition is about to begin its first tour of churches. Sixteen stories of domestic abuse victims’ experiences are being told to create awareness and spark a call to action against gender-based violence. This project comes from Llandaff Mothers’ Union partnership with Restored and LiveFearFree.Here Mothers' Union Worldwide President, Sheran Harper comments on the work of the 'Behind Closed Doors' project including why domestic abuse is such an important issue to the Mothers' Union across the world:At this time in history when there is unspeakable violence and malicious hatred in God’s world, it is timely that Mothers’ Union globally is committed to stopping gender-based violence and injustice in its many forms through activism, advocacy, and practical action. Our grassroots projects and programmes are focused on promoting the love of Jesus Christ through peace, safety, and self-reliance in every home, community, and nation.On my recent travels around England, Madagascar, East Africa, Southern and Central Africa, I had the opportunity to listen to victims and survivors speak of the atrocities they endured at the hands of their spouses and partners; the dreadful memories that haunt them day by day; the darkness that leads to depression; the terrifying screams and physical pain that drum deeper and deeper, gnawing away at their peace; the immense fear that drives victims into the darkest corners of isolation; and above all the absolute loss and destruction of a family they once nurtured, loved, belonged to, and believed in.I have held MU members in my arms because no words came; cried with women and girls as I listened to their stories; knelt in prayer with families who lost loved ones to domestic abuse; stood on the ground of the townships where the blood of our mothers and daughters was shed; I trembled as I stood face to face with a man who brutally chopped his wife to death - all resulting from the dreaded disease called Domestic Abuse.No longer must MU and the Church remain silent! No longer will I remain silent! I will choose to speak loudly for as long as I have breath because Domestic Abuse is not a part of God’s plan! It is NOT acceptable! This scourge must be condemned and be removed from society at all costs because it is God’s wish that all people live together in love, peace, and harmony – A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. John 13:34Domestic Abuse is everybody’s business, and it is time to stop thinking that Domestic Abuse only happens in the next village because it is closer to home that we think. Statistics show that 1 in every 3 women worldwide has experienced domestic abuse in their lifetime, at the hand of those they love.For all these reasons and more, I commend the initiatives taken and partnerships strengthened by Mothers’ Union in Wales to raise awareness of Domestic Abuse through Behind Closed Doors. I salute the women and men who work tirelessly and make the sacrifices to send clear messages to all that someone is listening and cares.Behind Closed Doors is exceptional because it combines the expertise of so many like-minded organisations who are on a mission to end Domestic Abuse for all times. This programme is all about Mothers’ Union working in partnership with the Church in Wales, Llandaff Diocese, Restored and the Welsh Women’s Aid to develop an exhibition whose purpose is to raise awareness of Domestic Abuse, and signpost sources of help and support for victims in a novel way. It is my fervent prayer that every Diocese in Wales will be a part of Behind Closed Doors, we must stand together and ensure victims and survivors receive the support they need,November 25th begins 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence right across the world and it is vital that the Church has a strong voice against and is visible in all walks of life as it addresses and responds to the call to end domestic abuse.- Sheran Harper, Mothers’ Union Worldwide President