Mothers’ Union and a local benefice is holding a vigil to raise awareness of gender-based violence.

Led by the Rev Jackie Taylor of the Kingsbridge, Dodbrooke and West Alvington Benefice, and organised with Brenda Gidley, branch leader of Dodbrooke and area Mothers’ Union, the vigil will take place on Friday, December 7, outside St Edmunds Church on Fore Street at 11am.

Brenda said: “Gender-based violence is something that most people probably don’t want to think about, however it is something that happens all over the world. The facts and figures are almost unbelievable.

“In the EU, one in 10 women has experienced some form of sexual violence since the age of 15 and one in 20 has been raped. Just over one in five women has experienced physical and/or sexual violence from either a current or previous partner.

“In England and Wales, seven women a month are killed by a current or former partner.

“We think it is vital to raise awareness of gender-based violence and to say that this is not OK. All are welcome at the vigil.”

16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence is an international campaign taking place between November 25 - International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women - until December 10 - International Human Rights Day.

You can find out more about Mothers’ Union on the website: www.mothersunion.org