Borderers are being asked to play their part in helping to tackle violence against women during this year’s #16DaysofAction against gender-based violence campaign held from 25 November to 10 December.
The #16DaysofAction is a world-wide movement, founded in 1991 by the Women’s Global Leadership Institute, which begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and runs until International Human Rights Day.
As part of the campaign, our Headquarters will be floodlit orange on the evenings of 24-25 November and 10 December to highlight the ongoing need to raise awareness of violence and harassment against women and others and to show a united force alongside the local community.
Councillor Julie Pirone, Executive Member for Community and Culture
“The call to show our support for the #16DaysofAction campaign has never been more important. The pandemic has without doubt increased the impact of gender based violence on women and children, with demand for specialist services remaining high. Crime is on the rise and we need to stand together to tackle it and change behaviours. We also know that the current cost of living crisis will disproportionately affect women at risk, who already face greater economic inequality and poverty.
“I would urge us all to take responsibility, both individually and collectively, to do whatever we can to show our support. From taking part in a march to finding ways to make sure we’re far better informed about the impact of the issue in our local communities, every action helps. What’s absolutely critical though is that we all take a closer look at our own behaviour and attitudes - or those around us - and if we see there are changes we could make, to commit to making those happen.
“I would also like to remind anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse that they are not alone. There are people you can talk to. If you reach out, you can be sure there will be someone there to listen with the advice, information and help you need. Anyone can report domestic abuse or suspected abuse to the police, if you are worried about a family member or friend. There’s more information on the Council’s website or you can contact our Domestic Abuse Advocacy Support Service directly. You can also phone the National Domestic Helpline: 0800 027 1234 (available 24-hours a day) and in an emergency, call 999.”
Domestic Abuse Advocacy Support Service (DAAS)
The Domestic Abuse Advocacy Support Service (DAAS) provides support for any adult who has experienced or is experiencing domestic abuse in the Scottish Borders. The service is free and confidential and provides a range of support that can help people to recover from the impact of living with domestic abuse, including:
- working with survivors to improve safety
- reduce the risk of further harm
- find the best solutions to stay safe.
Visit the DAAS pages of our website to find out more. The team can be contacted directly on 01835 825024 or at: daas@scotborders.gov.uk.
More information
- Images are available on our Flickr page
- Other events held to support #16DaysofAction include Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre’s Reclaim the Night March that took place in Galashiels on the evening of 24 November. The Borders Housing Network, comprised of the four Borders based Registered Social Landlords, have signed a joint pledge to take decisive action against domestic abuse. The Chief Executives of Berwickshire, Eildon, Scottish Borders and Waverley met on 21 November to restate their commitment to the Make a Stand initiative which was developed a couple of years ago by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) in partnership with Women’s Aid and the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance.
- The #16DaysofAction campaign is co-ordinated by the Women’s Global Leadership Institute and is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
- The Tower at Council Headquarters is lit at the request of charities or other not-for-profit organisations looking to raise awareness of their work or show support for a particular campaign, in this case the Violence Against Women Partnership. Some other examples include pancreatic cancer, red poppy appeal, motor neurone disease and sudden infant death syndrome.