North Ayrshire’s Violence Against Women Partnership marked the start of the 16 Days of Action campaign by raising the White Ribbon Scotland flag at Cunninghame House in Irvine.
Provost Anthea Dickson along with representatives from partner organisations including Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were present as the flag was raised on Monday (November 25).
The 16 Days of Action campaign is an international campaign that runs from November 25 – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – to December 10 – Human Rights Day – and encourages action and awareness against all forms of violence against women and girls.
Domestic abuse costs Scottish tax payers an estimated £2.3billion and violence against women and girls costs an estimated £4billion.
A number of events are being held across Ayrshire to mark and support the campaign including Reclaim The Night walks in Ayr tonight (Tuesday, November 26) and Irvine on Tuesday, December 3.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “The Violence Against Women Partnership raised the #16Days White Ribbon Scotland flag at Cunninghame House, Irvine on Monday signifying the start of the 16 Days Of Action Against Gender Based Violence.
“Tackling violence against women and girls is everyone’s business, and this year’s theme is ‘Imagine a Scotland without violence against women and girls’.
“Encourage everyone to take action – get involved in local activities, use #16Days and the ‘Imagine’ theme.
“It is estimated that domestic abuse costs the Scottish public purse £2.3billion and violence against women and girls costs £4billion.
“The scale and prevalence of violence against women and girls means that tackling this issue is everyone’s business.
“If you would like to report a crime or to contact the police, please visit our website https://orlo.uk/SrUd0 or call us on 101. If you or someone else needs urgent police assistance, please dial 999 immediately.
“If you feel that you need emotional support, please contact: https://orlo.uk/BsF4E ”
Posting on Facebook, White Ribbon Scotland said: “Thank you to everyone at Police Scotland Ayrshire and at Irvine Police Office for your support.
“Violence against women prevention is everyone’s business. We need men on board if we are to successfully change the attitudes that tend to condone it.
“Without their voices breaking the silence we cannot reach a tipping point which will bring about change.”
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