Speaking Out Against Domestic Violence

Through Shoes "These were the shoes I was wearing when…" "Sometimes smiles are not always happy. Just a mask to hide the hurt"  ~Kelly In 2018, Members in Scotland highlighted the horrific impact of domestic abuse through a powerful shoe exhibition. Hilary Moran, representing M.U. in Scotland on the Inter-Faith Anti Trafficking Group produced a display called, "The Souls of our Shoes – A journey into and out of Domestic Abuse."

"Its primary purpose is to raise awareness of domestic violence. We do this a number of ways through talks, workshops, conferences and the shoe exhibition," said Hilary. The exhibition was shown at Mother's Union's General Meeting in Edinburgh in September 2017 and is now being used throughout the UK and Ireland by other members.

During the school visit, teachers accompanied pupils from all year groups.Various support agency leaflets were available and pupils were invited to write observations, comments and questions on a "talking wall". Staff were on hand to chat with pupils who may have been adversely affected by the exhibition. Many viewed the exhibition a second and even third time, returning in the break and during their lunch break. Here's what some of the pupils and teachers said: "I'm not ashamed to say I was in an abusive relationship. I divorced him! ~Miss Bream, Happy Now (Teacher) "My father was domestically abused by my step mother. It broke his spirit and I would never want anyone to ever go through it. ~Matthew "It's bad that they are supposed to be soulmates and they are getting hit. I feel terrible." ~Student

Bath & Wells Mothers' Union are embarking on our own Souls of the Shoes Exhibition, organised by Chris Mahony