North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson has voiced her support for a global campaign that works to end violence against women and girls.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign led annually by UN Women – the United Nations organisation dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
It runs from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, (also known as White Ribbon Day) to Human Rights Day on 10 December.
During this year’s campaign, everyone is being asked to “Imagine a Scotland without violence against women and girls”.
Violence comes in many shapes and forms, including coercive behaviour and demeaning language, and it can have various short and long-term effects that lead to extreme violence.
Provost Dickson added: “It is vital that we don’t allow things like harassment directed at women and girls in the street as they go about their lives and hateful language become accepted.”
The North Ayrshire Violence Against Women Partnership brings together partners that have a role in tackling gender-based violence and supporting those who are affected.
It includes the council and representatives from partner organisations including North Ayrshire Women's Aid, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
The aims of the Partnership are to:
raise awareness of issues around violence against women and girls
empower communities to challenge abusive and violent behaviour
provide information on the available support services available, and
encourage support of the key VAWP campaign – White Ribbon 16 Days of Action
Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Islands, is supporting the 16 Days of Action.
He said: “I would encourage as many people as possible to back the 16 Days campaign. And I also urge anyone who is feeling threatened or has been a victim of violence to ask for support.
“Anyone who feels threatened should know there are services available to offer practical help and guidance.”