Violence against women and children in the capital is being highlighted by an international awareness campaign which starts later this week.
The International 16 Days of Action Opposing Violence Against Women campaign begins on Friday 25 November 2011 and runs until 10 December.
The Edinburgh Violence Against Women Partnership (EVAWP) are using the 16 days to highlight the range of existing and new services which support women and children affected by forms of gender based violence (GBV).
GBV is the recognised definition from the Scottish Government, which refers to a range of forms of abuse which affects women disproportionately and can include: domestic abuse, childhood sexual abuse, rape and sexual assault, stalking and sexual harassment and so called honour crimes such as forced marriage.
EVAWP is a multi agency partnership with membership from Lothian & Borders Police, NHS Lothian, The City of Edinburgh Council, Criminal Justice, Scottish Courts Service and the voluntary sector.
Across Scotland, every local authority area is supported to establish a multi-agency partnership to raise awareness of both the cause and impact of violence against women and to improve services and responses to those affected.
Councillor Paul Edie, Chair of the Edinburgh Community Safety Partnership, said: “We hope this campaign across the 16 days sends out a clear message that there is no place in today’s society for violence against women or children.
“There is a network of support agencies in Edinburgh for those who are suffering abuse but it is important we work with our partners to ensure their voices can be heard and do everything in our power to make their lives safer.”
Superintendent David Carradice, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: “We are committed to tackling violence against woman and work alongside our partner agencies to bring those responsible for violent crimes to justice, while at the same time offering all the necessary support and advice to victims.
“Addressing the issue of violence is a key priority for the Force throughout the year and we regularly carry out policing campaigns and operations to target the perpetrators.”
Melanie Hornett, NHS Lothian Nurse Director, said: “We are supporting the international 16 Days of Action for Violence Against Women to demonstrate our commitment to those affected by abuse.
“There are a wide and varied range of services available across Lothian to help and support people affected by abuse and NHS Lothian and our partner organisations are working hard to reduce the incidence and impact of abuse on individuals, families and the wider community.”
EVAWP has produced an action plan as part of its ‘No Excuse! Violence against Women Strategy’ with key sub groups formed to take forward the areas of work identified as priorities.
The strategy’s vision is for women in Edinburgh to live free from violence and abuse. Key outcomes highlighted in the plan include:
- Women and children affected by gender based violence are safer and better protected
- A co-ordinated approach across agencies to provide effective support
- Public awareness of violence against women and how to access support is increased
