Glasgow joins world-wide 16 Days campaign to end gender-based violence

Today, 25 November, is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.  It also marks the start of the annual '16 Days of Action' campaign when organisations across the world push to bring an end to violence against women.

This year is the 30^th anniversary of the international campaign which focuses on challenging men's behaviour and attitude towards women.

In 1991 the United Nations declared 25 November as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls. It is the first day of the 16 Days campaign which ends on 10 December, International Human Rights Day.  It takes in other significant events including World Aids Day on 1 December and the anniversary of the Montreal Massacre on 6 December - the date in 1989 when 14 women, all engineering students, were shot and killed in an act of gender-based violence.  

The massacre at the University of Montreal led to the creation of the White Ribbon movement.  The White Ribbon is now the symbol of men's challenge to end violence against women.  

Glasgow was awarded White Ribbon City status in recognition of the work being done to tackle violence against women. Every year the city supports 16 Days of Action by co-ordinating local activities to raise awareness and challenge unacceptable behaviour through the Glasgow Violence Against Women Partnership (GVAWP), a city-wide multi-agency group made up of statutory and voluntary organisations concerned with addressing any form of violence against women.

Councillor Jennifer Layden, Chair of the GVAWP and city convener for communities, equalities and human rights, said: "2021 marks the 30^th anniversary of this global campaign. It's a stark reminder that gender inequality and violence still exists today. 

"Gender-based violence can take various forms and guises.  It can range from coercive control and domestic abuse to rape and sexual violence. It has devastating effects on the lives of women, children and young people. Communities suffer and families are destroyed.

The 16 Days campaign is an opportunity for us to reach out to women to let them know they are not alone, help is here."

Glasgow Violence Against Women Partnership

The Glasgow Violence Against Women Partnership (GVAWP), formed in 2000, brings together a range of statutory and voluntary agencies in Glasgow (GCC, Police Scotland, NHSGGC, Third Sector organisations) who are concerned with tackling domestic abuse; rape and sexual violence; stalking and harassment; child sexual abuse; harmful cultural practices; commercial sexual exploitation or any form of violence on children and women.

Visit http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/vaw for further information on the range of services available.

Glasgow Services

• ASSIST - a specialised support service linked to Glasgow's Domestic Abuse Court and focusses on reducing the risk to and improving the safety of victims of domestic abuse. ASSIST aims to ensure that all survivors of domestic abuse, women, children and men, are safe, informed and supported throughout their involvement with the criminal justice system.
• Routes Out - Routes Out offers a wide range of services to women involved in prostitution or those considering it. Routes Out main concern is for women's safety and can offer harm reduction supplies and practical advice.
• Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (TARA) - provides support to women aged 18 or over who have been brought to Scotland for commercial sexual exploitation.