The global day of awareness begins today, with 16 days of activism to follow worldwide
Today is the UN International Day to End Violence against Women across the globe.
Stirling Council have announced plans for events over the next 16 days to raise awareness and contribute towards the eternally worthwhile fight to end violence against women globally.
Running from Wednesday 25 November, the International Day of No Violence Against Women, to Thursday 10 December, which is Human Rights Day, the “16 Days of Action” calls for the elimination of all forms of violence against women.
Each year the campaign is led locally by the Stirling Gender-Based Violence Partnership, which works with member organisations and national groups to bring together a programme of awareness raising activities.
Throughout the 16 days, the campaign will highlight issues relating to all forms of gender based violence, including domestic abuse, sexual abuse, rape, coercive control, stalking, honour based violence and online exploitation.
Gender Based Violence occurs across all levels of society, and the physical, emotional and psychological consequences can be profound and damaging.
On average, there are six reported incidents of domestic abuse per hour in the UK, although this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Since the start of lockdown, there has been a frightening increase in domestic abuse worldwide. For many victims of domestic abuse, isolation and social distancing increases the risk of abuse, and makes it much easier for perpetrators to control and dominate everyday life.
Convener of the Public Safety Committee, Councillor Evelyn Tweed, said: “Throughout this difficult time, we have all heard so much about ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’. While this is vitally important for tackling Covid-19, there are many within our community where staying home is not the same as staying safe.
“That is why this year’s 16 Days of Action is so important. Stirling Council is proud to be raising awareness and educating people on gender based violence as part of the campaign and we are committed to supporting people affected by gender-based violence.
“Although this year’s 16 Days of Action events have had to be tailored to meet the Government guidance and activities permitted, I am sure they will continue to help give a better understanding of the experiences and needs of women and children affected by abuse.”
Vice Convener, Councillor Chris Kane, said: “The 16 Days of Action campaign continues to grow every year with more and more people getting involved and speaking out about gender-based violence.
“Although this year’s 16 Days of Action events have had to be tailored to meet the Government guidance and activities permitted, I am sure they will continue to help give a better understanding of the experiences and needs of women and children affected by abuse.”
Vice Convener, Councillor Chris Kane, said: “The 16 Days of Action campaign continues to grow every year with more and more people getting involved and speaking out about gender-based violence.
“We want to build on this momentum, working closely with our partners to bring about real change so that no woman has to experience domestic, sexual, emotional or physical abuse. Violence against women and girls is unacceptable in any form and will not be tolerated in Stirling.”
Over the next 16 days, Stirling Council will be sharing important messages on raising awareness of Gender Based Violence through Twitter and Facebook.
A full list of local events is also available here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/clacks-amp-stirling-vaw-partnership-31676017789
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