Published on:
12
December 2022
Clackmannanshire Council and partners across Forth Valley took part in the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence campaign. The annual campaign was set up in 1991 and calls for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.
Clackmannanshire kicked off the campaign on the 25th November, the International day of No Violence Against Women, with the Reclaim the Night Walk to the Kelpies and the opening of the Alloa Speirs Centre exhibition which featured a display of artwork, poems, DVDs and stories from support services as well as acting as a drop in service for people who wish to speak to Women’s Aid.
Also on this day, Lorraine Sanda, Strategic Director of People at the Council and Chair of the Clackmannanshire Violence Against Women Strategic Partnership renewed their commitment to end Gender Based Violence.
Throughout the 16 days, Clackmannanshire hosted and promoted a range of activities, events, exhibitions and training including webinars on topics such as sexualisation in our society, promotion of services such as the Sexual Assault Response Co-ordination Service (SARCS) and training for professionals on how to respond to disclosures of sexual assault and how to create better outcomes for families affected by domestic violence.
Council leaders showed their support for the campaign through social media activity where16 leaders each held their own statement about how they are committed to the campaign, awareness raising or what actions they will take to work towards the eliminations of violence against women and girls.
Council Leader Ellen Forson said, “This campaign has been important because we all have a collective duty to unite and respond to people’s needs and do what we can to tackle gender based violence. As the Leader of Clackmannanshire Council, I commit to continuing the work already started with partners to ensure that a joined up approach is taken to effectively tackle violence against women and girls and the resulting social inequalities they face.”
It is hoped the events and other activities will give anyone facing violence and abuse the confidence to speak up and seek help as well as give our people the tools to identify and act against violence towards women and girls.