Published on:
25
November 2008
Local support for an international domestic abuse campaign was announced this week by a partnership of Clackmannanshire,Falkirk and Stirling Council, Central Scotland Police, Rape Crisis, SACRO and Women's Aid.
"16 Days of Action"is an events programme aimed at raising awareness of the problems surrounding domestic abuse.
Detective Inspector Pat Scroggie, of the force's Family Unit, said: "Ourselves and our partners within Forth Valley are fully committed to supporting the victims of domestic abuse and their families.
"16 Days of Action offers agencies within Forth Valley an opportunity to raise awareness of domestic abuse and I would ask for the support of our communities to denounce domestic abuse whenever and wherever they come upon it.
"Our communities should be assured that we will continue to provide the highest level of support possible to victims of abuse and their families and to actively identify and tackle the perpetrators.
"Only by working together can we change attitudes toward domestic abuse and protect the most vulnerable women in our communities."
"Research has shown that a woman is abused 35 times before she reports it to the police. Figures also suggest that 1in 4 women will be affected by domestic abuse and this figure is wholly unacceptable in our societies. Everyone can make a difference."
Falkirk Councillor Gerry Goldie, Convener of the Housing and Social Services Committee, added: "We have excellent working relationships with our partners who along with Falkirk Council, work tirelessly to support victims of domestic abuse.
"16 Days of Action is a focused and targeted approach which aims to raise awareness and highlight the fact that violence against women is unacceptable in our society and will not be tolerated."
Those supporting the domestic abuse campaign are wearing white ribbons which are the globally recognised symbol of the campaign.
By wearing a white ribbon, it is a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about domestic abuse.
Stirling Council's Communities spokesman, Councillor Steven Paterson, said:
"The campaign to eliminate violence against women is something Stirling Council supports wholeheartedly along with its partners in Forth Valley.
"It is essential to raise awareness of this issue, show support for efforts to combat this problem, and continue our determined efforts to eradicate violence against women."
Chair of the Clackmannanshire Action for Change, the multi agency domestic abuse partnership group, Francine Orr, said: "This is the second year that Clackmannanshire Council has been part of the high profile 16 Days of Action campaign.
"This year's programme of events has been expanded and details of these can be found on ClacksWeb. I encourage everyone to come along to these events.
"Wearing a white ribbon is a pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and boxes of these ribbons have been placed at the receptions of the Council's three main buildings for male staff and councillors to show their solidarity with the campaign."
Anyone with information can contact Central Scotland Police on 01786 456000 or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.