Domestic Abuse at the House of Lords

Did you know that 1 in 4 women in the UK suffer domestic abuse? On 15 July, at the invitation of Lord McColl of Dulwich, I attended a reception at the House of Lords for Faith Leaders to speak out against domestic abuse in the UK. 
 

Baroness Scotland, who has been a pioneer in campaigning against domestic abuse, gave a stirring address. Then we heard a moving account from a Muslim woman in Birmingham of her work with victims of honour crime, FGM and forced marriage in Birmingham.

Restored has produced a 'Charter for Churches', with 10 recommendations. It stresses that domestic abuse is not only physical, but can also be spiritual, emotional, sexual, psychological, social or financial. It is characterised by a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour.      ‘Ending Domestic Abuse: A Pack for Churches' aims to raise awareness and enable the Church to address domestic abuse issues both within its own community and wider society.

‘Faith and Domestic Abuse: Recommendations for Faith Leaders’, launched on 15 July by Faith Action, contains some really helpful resources and case studies. I came away from this event feeling passionately that this is an issue we need to engage with. You can find out more, and download the resources at www.restoredrelationships.org and www.faithaction.net.