Published on:
15
May 2025
Earlier this week the Council welcomed the Minister for Equalities, Kaukab Stewart to learn more about the work ongoing in Clackmannanshire to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
Clackmannanshire’s Violence against Women and Girls Partnership has recently stepped up efforts to raise awareness within the community and in schools, as well as offering more support to those affected.
The strength of the collaboration is showing results with more people coming forward for support and reporting incidents.
The level of supports that are now available have been extended to include a Children’s Worker, Women’s Worker, Perpetrator Worker, Women's Tenancy Worker, a Women's Worker linked to STRIVE – Safeguarding for Rapid Intervention, as well as access to all other supports available through the Family Wellbeing Partnership and Justice Services.
At Tuesday’s visit, the Minister met with individuals with experience of VAWG and also heard from young people who have engaged with training opportunities and participated in both school-based and wider community programmes, including the Mentors in Violence Prevention initiative, the 16 Days of Activism campaign, and Youth Voice activities.
The young people shared their experiences of activities they have led as well as their perspective of how local supports can be shaped by their voices.
Clackmannanshire’s approach to tackling VAWG is embedded within the wider People and Community Wellbeing Plan (One Plan, One Report), developed through the Clackmannanshire Family Wellbeing Partnership.
Councillor Ellen Forson, leader of Clackmannanshire Council and Equalities Champion, said: “I am proud of the work we are doing with our partners through the Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership. We are making real progress by working together to strengthen support, focus on early intervention and prevention, and improve communication across the board.”
Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “All forms of violence and abuse against women and girls are totally unacceptable and it is only by working together that such violence can be eradicated.
“Clackmannanshire Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership’s work to improve awareness in schools and within the community is a strong example of how collaborative working across local government and specialist services can prevent abuse and support survivors.”
If you need support, please contact Clackmannanshire Women’s Aid on 01259 721407 or Forth Valley Rape Crisis on 01786 439244 or Community Justice on 07549 115326.