This is a community voice published in the Hereford Times on October 17.

Rev Penny Littlewood, Herefordshire Mothers' Union

IT is my privilege to be the chaplain in Hereford Diocese, of the amazing organisation that is the Mothers’ Union.

I will be writing on their behalf from time to time, but this first month our focus is on the plight of many women, some right under our very noses, suffering alone and without hope. I am talking about abuse: gender-based abuse, including, violence, coercion, and control.

The motto of the Mothers’ Unions is “Christian care for families”, and we are all familiar with the reality that family now comes in many forms.

What are your thoughts?

You can send a letter to the editor to have your say by clicking here.

Letters should not exceed 250 words and local issues take precedence.

For the Mothers’ Union, all humanity is part of the family of God, therefore there is no defined box we place people in. All deserve to be treated fairly and with compassion.

Therefore, the plight of women caught up in the nightmare of ongoing abuse must be faced, brought into the light and dealt with. Sadly, it is happening all over the world; it is also happening right here in Herefordshire.

That is the reason we are supporting, wholeheartedly, the Riseup campaign. Riseup calls upon us to stand against gender-violence in any society.

Statistics prove that one in three women becomes a victim of abuse– one in three! That is wrong! Horrendously wrong!

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If you agree, join us on Saturday, November 23, at 12.45pm outside the west door of Hereford Cathedral where members of Hereford Diocese Mothers’ Union, together with other civic leaders, will be holding a short, said service and period of silence.

Members of the Mothers’ Union will have leaflets giving details where help can be obtained for anyone suffering abuse themselves or knows someone who might need help.

Our aim is to improve advocacy to encourage more people to speak out against violence towards women and girls, without fear.

Come and join us if you can. Support an increase in gender equality and improve opportunities for women in every community.