Stormont exhibition breaks silence over domestic abuse
The Mothers' Union has brought its message of stopping abuse in the home to Northern Ireland's leaders. Souls of Our Shoes - a simple but powerful exhibition featuring the shoes of over 50 domestic abuse survivors was displayed in the Long Gallery at Parliament Buildings on Tuesday 25 November.
The Church of Ireland organisation, which has over 5,000 members across the island, has been campaigning against domestic and gender-based violence for over 10 years; this special event was hosted by Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLAs Diana Armstrong and Deborah Erskine.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly, Junior Minister Joanne Bunting, Justice Minister Naomi Long, Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir, and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt were among the many Assembly members who called in and listened to the call for decisive change.
Executive Office officials were also present with a stand highlighting their long-term work, alongside many organisations in civil society, on ending violence against women and girls. Artwork from Women's Aid also helped to set the scene and point to the hope of ending abuse and creating new beginnings.
"We often say that Northern Ireland has endured enough pain, enough division, enough loss," said Mothers' Union's All-Ireland President, Kay Clarke. "So let this - protecting women and girls from violence - be something that unites us because this is not about politics. This is about humanity. Domestic and sexual violence intersect with health, housing, justice, education, and community development."
Mrs Clarke added: "When we invest in safety, we invest in the future of our families. When we believe survivors, we build trust. And when we take decisive action, we send a message that echoes far beyond these walls: 'No woman or girl should ever have to live in fear - not here, not ever.'
"The Mothers’ Union will continue to stand with you, to work with you, and to pray for you - that you will have the courage to act decisively, the compassion to listen deeply, and the commitment to make Northern Ireland a place where every woman and girl can flourish, free from fear. Together, we can make that vision real."
Pictured: Connie Egan MLA visits the Mothers' Union's Souls of Our Shoes exhibition in the Long Gallery at Parliament Buildings.