The Mothers’ Union is shining a light on violence against women and girls, with a clear message that #itsnotok.

The Blackdown Mothers’ Union met in St Mary’s to light candles and pray to show their support for the Campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence which goes on until December 10.

London members of MU have delivered a petition with more than 3,500 signatures to 10 Downing Street to ask that victims of domestic abuse be exempt from the ‘collect and pay’ charges for using the statutory Child Maintenance Service as they may have no other option to receive or make payments for their children without further risk of abuse of violence.

The MU says using a family-based arrangement or a Direct Pay could result in ongoing contact with the abuser, placing survivors at further risk.