The United Nations’ 16 days against gendered violence aims to raise awareness of attacks against women and girls.
Across the world, the statistics are horrific. It is believed a woman or girl is killed by a family member or partner every 10 minutes. While some of the worst cases of misogyny will be in countries with a generally poor record on human rights, we cannot be complacent.
Kirsty McNeill MP highlights the need for much more to be done at home, in her piece here in today’s Record. In the last year there were more than 14,000 sexual crimes recorded by Police Scotland.
There were also more than 63,000 incidents of domestic abuse – a three per cent increase from the previous year. The figures are genuinely alarming. The Record echoes the Midlothian MPs call for her fellow parliamentarians to sign the White Ribbon pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women in all its forms.
But this promise is not just something which politicians should make – all Scots should make a similar commitment. We must call out the abuse of women and girls when we see it. This requires men to call out the words and actions of their male friends when they are unacceptable.
Only with a collective effort will we be able to end violence, abuse and harassment. It is right that the Scottish and UK Governments work together to build a safer Scotland for women and girls.
Powerful hope
It was devastating news for all the workers at Grangemouth when it was announced that Scotland’s last oil refinery was going to shut.
Some 400 jobs are set to be lost over the next two years as the site becomes an import-only terminal. But today’s news that ScottishPower not only needs the type of expertise employed at Grangemouth, but is actively looking to recruit from the site is encouraging.
With the energy giant looking to start 1000 new workers next year, this is a welcome development and great timing. ScottishPower is to be applauded for offering positive news for the Grangemouth workforce at the end of a difficult year.
This big recruitment drive offers some hope at Christmas when some may have thought their prospects looked bleak. It now means these skilled workers could have something to look forward to in the new year.
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