MEMBERS of Dawlish Mothers’ Union have made more than 230 knitted rings which now form a chain to highlight domestic violence.

The Chain Reaction is part of a national aimed at raising awareness of the growing number of domestic violence incidents.

The Dawlish chain of 231 knitted rings represents the number of victims killed by domestic abuse last year.

Cllr Scott Williams helped Ann Leigh from the Dawlish Mothers’ Union to put the ring around the South West Water compound walls in the town centre.

The chain is part of 16 days of activism It’s Not Just Black Eyes and Bruises against gender-based violence which runs until December 10.

Cllr William said: ‘A recent study undertaken in partnership with Mothers’ Union and the national safeguarding team highlighted we still have some way to go to ensure anyone experiencing domestic abuse feels safe and support by their church community.

‘As a Church we want our communities to feel able to recognise and refer individuals to services that can provide the specialist support.

‘To those suffering abuse, you are not alone.’

An estimated 2.2 million women and 1.5 million men experienced domestic abuse in the last year.