Borderers are being asked to come together and show their support for this year’s #16DaysofAction campaign against gender-based violence, taking place from 25 November to 10 December.
The 2025 theme, ‘All Together to prevent and end violence against women and girls’, highlights that tackling violence is everyone’s business. It calls for collective action and celebrates the power of joined-up, community-led efforts to prevent and eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
The #16DaysofAction is a global movement, founded in 1991 by the Women’s Global Leadership Institute. It begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November) and ends on International Human Rights Day (10 December).
Reclaim the Night march - 25 November
Events taking place during the 16 Days include the Reclaim the Night March hosted by Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre on Tuesday 25 November. Everyone welcome to meet at Cornucopia, 4 Towerdykeside, Hawick TD9 9EA from 6.00pm, ready to set off at 6.30pm.
In Scotland, women and girls continue to be disproportionately affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence and other forms of gender-based violence, most often perpetrated by men. While men can also be victims, police data shows that at least four out of five incidents involve a female victim and a male accused.
Women are also significantly more likely to feel unsafe in public spaces, with fears of sexual assault and crime limiting their ability to participate fully in community life.
The long-term impact of VAWG can include trauma, poor mental health, and barriers to education, employment and financial independence. Many women also experience financial abuse as part of coercive control, contributing to economic inequality and poverty.
Support from the Violence Against Women Partnership
The campaign is supported by the Violence Against Women Partnership (VAWP) which is responsible for delivering the Equally Safe strategy across the Scottish Borders. The aim of the strategy is to prevent and to eradicate violence against women and girls.
The VAWP is a collaborative partnership, and its membership includes a range of services from within the Council as well as NHS Borders, Police Scotland, local Housing Providers, Borders College, Third Sector organisations and other specialist services that support women and girls.
Louise MacLennan, VAWP Chair
“The #16DaysofAction campaign is a powerful reminder that preventing and ending violence against women and girls is everyone’s responsibility. Across these 16 days, we’re encouraging individuals, communities, and organisations to take action and one way to do that is by joining the Reclaim the Night March in Hawick, which is a visible demonstration of solidarity.
"But the campaign is much broader than any single event. It’s about creating lasting change by working together, raising awareness, and ensuring that women and girls can live free from violence and fear. Every action, big or small, makes a difference.”
Councillor Tom Weatherston, Executive Member for Social Work and Inclusion
“This year’s theme reminds us that preventing violence against women and girls is not just the responsibility of services or survivors—it’s something we must all commit to, together. Whether it’s joining a march, making a commitment to challenge harmful attitudes or learning more about the issue and how to support someone affected, every action counts.
“If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please know that help is available. You’re not alone. You’ll get all the information you need on the Council’s website. This includes contact details for our Domestic Abuse Advocacy Support Service and a range of other organisations like the National Domestic Helpline which is available 24-hours on 0800 027 1234. In an emergency, you should always call 999.”
Where to get advice and information
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 aims to help people recover from the impact of living with domestic abuse, including working with survivors to improve safety, reduce the risk of further harm and find the best solutions to stay safe.
For more information, visit the DAAS pages of our website. DAAS can also be contacted on 01835 825024 or at: daas@scotborders.gov.uk.
More information
The campaign is supported nationally by the Improvement Service, which provides guidelines and materials for local authorities. Internationally, it is coordinated by the Women’s Global Leadership Institute. You can find out more on the 16 Days of Action website.