A new church coalition has been formed in the U.K. to actively work against sexual violence throughout the globe. The Silent No More coalition consists of the Anglican Communion, Lambeth Palace, Tearfund, Christian Aid and Restored and will unite efforts to end sexual violence against women, and also address the silence, pain and stigma faced by survivors of sexual violence.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams spoke at the launch of the coalition:
“It is of the first importance that churches and all communities of faith continue to hold before the world’s eyes the absolute priority for justice and dignity for all.
“We need to equip people to become agents of change and agents of hope.
“I hope this is the beginning of the church being what it ought to be and should be.”
The launch of the coalition coincides with the release of a damning report on sexual violence against women, which shows that worldwide, one in five women will become a victim of rape or attempted rape in her lifetime.
The report also detailed how women and children become especially vulnerable to sexual assault in countries torn apart by war or political strife. For example, in the DRC, rape has been used as a weapon of war in the South Kivu conflict between the government and rebels.
The UN humanitarian news agency IRIN has said that around 8,000 rapes were recorded in South Kivu in 2010. Since the beginning of 2011, the charity ‘Medecins sans Frontiers’ has indicated it has treated more than 200 women, men and children for rape in the region.
The executive director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibe, said the organisation was keen to work more closely with faith-based organisations to ensure the dignity and protection of women and girls, who account for the largest proportion of the victims of sexual violence.
Lyn Lusi, co-founder of Tearfund partner HEAL Africa, said the church should follow the example of anti-slave trade campaigner William Wilberforce in pursuing justice for all people.
She said: “Attitudes to women need to change if a woman’s lot is to get better. It’s about partnership as God intended, and understanding one another’s roles. The church needs to be a model for this partnership.”
You are able to show your support by signing the Silent No More pledge at wewillspeakout.org - please note you cannot click on this link, rather cut and paste it into your browser.