British women, Christian Church, Christian faith, domestic abuse, domestic abuse and violence, Domestic violence, inspirational success stories, violence towards women,
Friday 16th November 2012
On Saturday November 24, women’s groups from the UCKG HelpCentre will be holding a march and rally to draw attention to the ongoing problem of domestic abuse and violence towards women.
The event is called Break the Silence, End the Violence because speaking out against all forms of abuse within the home and family unit is essential for real progress to be achieved.
The groups involved are RAHAB, which supports victims of domestic abuse and Godllywood, which helps girls and women to choose their values wisely.
Although the director of public prosecutions, Kier Starmer’s strategy for tackling domestic abuse of women has been a great success, there is still much to be done. Over a million British women experience domestic violence every year and 60,000 women are raped, according to the British Crime Survey.
“We have three aims for our event,” said Flavia Barcelos who is leading the UCKG HelpCentre’s initiative. “Raising awareness of the domestic abuse, helping abused women to get out of that situation by breaking their silence, and publicising our support service for abused women, RAHAB (Removing All Hurt And Abuse) to potential users and volunteers.”
The HelpCentre’s women’s groups held a similar event last year, and attracted 300 participants. “We are aiming to double that number, at the very least, for 2012,” she added.
Despite the size of the problem, many abused women – perhaps the majority of them – have great difficulty in helping themselves. This can be because they are too frightened to speak out and ask for support or they have been made to feel that it was their fault.
These women are manipulated and subjected to controlling behaviour by male partners and often do not even recognize that they are being abused. But then, abuse is not only a matter of physical violence. It is also verbal, emotional, financial or simply persistent belittling that destroys a woman’s sense of self worth.
Following the march members of Godllywood and RAHAB will be welcoming the public into the HelpCentre from 1pm to learn more. The programme will include inspirational success stories from women who have overcome abusive home situations and moved on.
Although this event takes place in London, RAHAB can be accessed via all UCKG HelpCentres in the UK, visit uckgnew.org for a full list of locations.
ENDS
Note to editors:
UCKG is a Christian church and registered charity that offers a range of practical support activities alongside spiritual support and comfort and welcomes all-comers. It reached the UK in 1995 and has gone from strength to strength, providing support and spreading the Christian faith. There are UCKG HelpCentre branches in England and Wales.
Godllywood supports girls and women in choosing their life values wisely. It helps women develop and restore family ties that have withered under the pressures of modern life in the context of confident and fulfilling lives.
RAHAB (Removing All Hurt And Abuse) is a Community Group set up to reach out to women who are victims of domestic violence and abuse. It is run by volunteers and helps women by giving them a chance to express themselves and by providing practical advice on how to rebuild their lives and their families.
For further information please contact the UCKG HelpCentre Press Officer via e-mail on press@uckgnew.org or call 020 7686 6033.
