Behind Closed Doors: Changing The Story

Join us in Cardiff on Friday 12th April for a day of inspiring talks, seminars from experts, and a chance to hear how you can speak up against domestic abuse and support survivors. Together, we can create a nation where all live free from the fear of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

On Friday 12th of April at the Angel Hotel, Cardiff (10 – 4pm) you will explore how your church can stand against domestic abuse and effectively support survivors in your community. At the moment, our speakers include Restored CEO Bekah Legg, and Rev Helen Paynter, PhD, both experts in the field of faith and domestic abuse. Sara Fitzpatrick CEO and Deb Critchley from Welsh Women’s Aid. (more speakers yet to confirm availability)

All attendees will also receive a copy of the new Welsh Edition of Restored’s ‘A Guide for Churches to Address Domestic Abuse’. Lunch will also be provided, please make us aware of any dietary requirements you may have.

Mothers’ Union’s commitment to calling for an end to the scourge of domestic abuse and gender-based violence lies in the heart of our vision: that of a world where God’s love is shown through loving, respectful, and flourishing relationships. God exists in and creates equality of relationship. Llandaff Diocese Mothers’ Union has developed the Behind Closed Doors Exhibition in partnership with Restored, Llandaff Diocese and Welsh Women’s Aid to raise awareness of the different types of Domestic Abuse. The exhibition features 16 case studies, focussing on survivor stories and each case study has a reflection and a prayer written by our Chaplain, Revd. Sandra Birdsall. These have been recorded to video and are accessed by QR codes on the exhibition materials.

In the year ending March 2023, 1.4 million women and 751,000 men experienced domestic abuse in England and Wales, and a staggering 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetimes. Research from national charity Restored shows that that number, 1 in 4, is the same for women in church congregations, but just 2 in 7 feel their church is equipped to support them.

Through the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) strategy the Welsh Government are committed to making Wales the safest place to be a woman, and we believe the church and faith organisations can and should play our part alongside public and third sector partners.