Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse

An average of two women a week are murdered by a current or former partner in England and Wales.

We are working in partnership with specialist agencies to deliver workshops and raise awareness and understanding in churches across the Diocese, about domestic abuse.

If you are experiencing abuse and need help:

  • For emergency support contact: Rape Crisis: 0808 802 9999 / Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327 / Galop – LGBT+: 0800 999 5428 / Women’s Aid: 0808 2000 247
  • For Safeguarding support visit our Safeguarding pages.
     

How we are helping
 

Supporting the White Ribbon UK Campaign
We are standing up to domestic abuse by supporting the White Ribbon UK Campaign and encouraging churches to get involved too. White Ribbon UK is part of the global movement to end male violence against women. 
 
It invites men to make a pledge never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.Twenty per cent of all women in the UK have experienced sexual assault More than half of the women in the UK have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.

It is therefore essential that men take responsibility in ending male violence against women, as it is still often labelled as a ‘women’s issue’.
 
The campaign recognises that violence can be perpetrated by women against men, in same-sex couples and in other settings too. It therefore signposts to the campaigns and charities that focus on these issues and victims, and which are very helpful in those circles.
Volunteer ambassadors
White Ribbon UK work with men and boys to challenge those male cultures that lead to harassment, abuse and violence. We have a number of  volunteer ambassadors able to talk to churches about the campaign. Women can become White Ribbon champions.

"We are really pleased to see the Diocese of Rochester taking a lead in sharing the approach of White Ribbon UK, working with men and boys to change cultures amongst their friends and colleagues, and within their communities." (Anthea Sully, Chief Executive, White Ribbon UK)

How you can get involved
 

Make the pledge
Men in congregations can commit to taking the pledge and wear a white ribbon. Take the pledge here
Support White Ribbon Day
Churches can register to take part in the annual White Ribbon day which takes place on 25 November. It marks the start of the United Nations 16 Days of action against gender-based violence.
Identify volunteers
Identify people to become White Ribbon Ambassadors (men) or Champions (women) and undertake the White Ribbon training. 

Key Contacts

Magali van der Merwe

Lead Community Engagement Adviser

 

Get in touch

  
Keith Berry

Community Engagement and Social Action Adviser
Mobile: 07585 101624
Twitter: @community_keith

Get in touch