Mothers' Union has teamed up with Women's Aid to support their new campaign to help end domestic abuse.
They're highlighting the fact that three women are killed each fortnight by a current or ex-partner and one in seven children and young people under the age of 18 will have lived with domestic violence at some point in their childhood.
The two organisations hope that by joining forces they can make a difference to the lives of 1.6 million women in England who experience domestic abuse every year.
Bev Jullien who is the CEO of Mothers' Union, has been speaking to Premier:
"Domestic Abuse remains a scourge on our society right across the globe. We are determined to put an end to it and were delighted to be able to connect with Women's Aid, who we work with on the ground in refuges already to say, how can we stand up against this? How can we create awareness, so each and every one of us in our communities can stand up against inappropriate behaviours, help those who are survivors, and make what is a very real present issue, something of the past."
The campaign is suggesting several ways we can all help, including challenging sexism at home and in the workplace and being alert to and speaking up against signs of abuse.
Bev Jullien says she hopes the campaign will raise awareness and dispel myths around the issue:
"It is absolutely horrific. It's what happens behind closed doors which is so very worrying. Domestic abuse takes many forms, as well as the bruises and violence, which is absolutely shocking, it's restricting access to money, it's tracking your partner online, it's controlling who they speak to. It's belittling your partner in front of friends and family, so that the survivor really loses all self- confidence and ability to be a full and wholesome person, it's very much about exercising power over those who are closest to you, which is really horrific. Of course, the longer it continues, the more impact it has on any children in a relationship as well.
"I think the bottom line is each and every one of us can make a difference. Sadly, in some Christian spaces, the gospel is misused to endorse domestic abuse. But God created man and woman as equal. He teaches us to love one another and those core principles should lead us all to be in healthy relationships and help others to be so too."
Rt Rev Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester said:
"It is no surprise that Mothers' Union are the first charity to partner with Women's Aid England on this campaign. A force for good in both Church and Community this partnership builds on their existing commitments to build safer and stronger churches and communities. By coming together we are truly able to make a difference and help end domestic abuse."
Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women's Aid said:
"From my work at Women's Aid, I know how powerful it can be when we come together to achieve change, which is why I'm so pleased we are partnering with Mothers' Union to do what we can to help end domestic abuse. It is up to all of us to help ensure women and children are safe, and I encourage everyone to play their part. By coming together and joining forces, we can make a real difference to the lives of women and children, helping to achieve a world where domestic abuse is no longer tolerated."
More details about the partnership can be found here: https://www.mothersunion.org/partnerships/womensaid