The Red Chair Project: What you can do to stand with survivors of abuse

Ahead of the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Major Ann Montgomery encourages us to take part in the Red Chair Project.

Christians often see themselves as examples of strong, joyful families, but it is vital to acknowledge that challenges such as marital breakdown, emotional harm and violence are a reality – within churches, communities and across cultures. Recognising this, we must reflect on God’s vision for healthy relationships, understand the widespread impact of abuse, and commit to offering compassionate, practical support to those affected.

The Red Chair Project is one initiative that enables communities to speak out for those who have lost their lives. It runs during the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which begin on 25 November. By reserving an empty chair in a public space, draped in red fabric with a message containing facts about domestic violence, the red chair becomes a poignant symbol of the lives lost to gender-based violence. The statistics are sobering: globally, every 11 minutes a woman or girl dies at the hands of an intimate partner or family member.

From my own experience at a corps, support for women who have experienced domestic abuse can be demonstrated in visible, meaningful ways. The corps partnered the charity Restored to become a Restored Beacon Church – part of a network of churches that provide a safe refuge for and journey with domestic abuse survivors as they recover.

As part of the Red Chair Project, a chair was placed in a prominent spot, covered in red fabric, with a message explaining: ‘These women and girls should still be with us. This seat is reserved to highlight the void left behind by each and every one of them.’ The 16 days coincided with the busy Christmas period. At a sold-out community concert, the chair served as a powerful reminder, prompting conversations and raising awareness.

During Sunday worship, members of the corps were each invited to take a piece of red ribbon as a symbol of their commitment to speak out against abuse. Red fabric and signs were also available for those who wished to display them in workplaces. Every day at 11am during the 16 days, a prayer, Scripture or song was shared on social media. These small gestures helped foster ongoing advocacy beyond the church walls.

Scripture offers a new standard for relationships: Jesus consistently respected and uplifted women, regardless of background. His interactions with the Samaritan woman (see John 4:1–29) and Mary are examples of this approach. Paul’s letters address everyday family challenges and emphasise equality in Christ. ‘There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus’ (Galatians 3:28 Berean Standard Bible). Amen to that!

Paul’s teachings on marriage were radical for their time, insisting that authority should reflect Christ’s humility and selflessness. Scripture should never be misused to justify abuse or demand submission from women. The fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – stands in direct opposition to abuse. We are called to protect victims, foster healthy relationships and meet these challenges with courage and empathy in the name of Jesus. ‘What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God’ (Micah 6:8).

Will you place an empty chair in a prominent place to represent the women and girls who should still be with us?

Reflect and respond

• Read Micah 6:8 and Galatians 5:22 and 23. Do your own relationships reflect Christ’s humility and the fruit of the Spirit?
• How could you or your corps stand against domestic abuse and gender-based violence? Find out more about Restored and becoming a Restored Beacon Church at restored-uk.org.
• Download the Red Chair Project Support Pack.