Scottish Government

This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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16 days of action

28/11/2005

Fifteen high-profile Scottish women have added their voices to that of Scotland's Deputy Communities Minister, Johann Lamont, as this year's international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence begins.

The comments from 16 Women for 16 Days highlights the issue of domestic abuse, their own personal thoughts on the issue and support for this year's call for 'No More Violence'.

Singer Annie Lennox, authors Denise Mina and Jenny Colgan, actress Dawn Steele, Olympic sailor Shirley Robertson and senior business figures are just some of the influential women who are supporting the 15th year of the 16 Days campaign.

The 16 Days campaign is supported by the Executive whose own Domestic Abuse campaign continues to raise awareness of the issue in Scotland and of the help available to anyone affected by domestic abuse. Already, over 14,000 calls have been made to the hotline this year.

Singer Annie Lennox said:

"In this modern day and age, the horror of domestic violence still affects thousands of women from every age group and income bracket. More often than not we feel we have no voice, or access to support. The abuse goes on, hidden or unmentioned through fear and shame. It is unacceptable that so many of our lives are blighted in this way. We must ensure that all women can have access to empowerment and freedom."

Ms Lamont said:

"16 Days of Activism is an important global campaign, highlighting the prevalence of violence against women the world over. Here in Scotland we continue to speak up and stand against each and every form of violence towards women - whether domestic abuse or sexual assault or rape. I am privileged to hold a position in Scotland where I can help to raise awareness and give a voice to these issues. It is abhorrent that we still live in an age where violence against women is tolerated. All women have a basic human right to live free from fear and harm and as long as there is a need to say 'No More Violence', I will be adding my voice in support."

Scotland's Solicitor General, Elish Angiolini QC, said:

"It takes a great deal of courage for women who are experiencing domestic abuse to come forward and report the abuse to the authorities. It is critical, therefore, that when a woman does take that step, she is met with a response which is sensitive and supportive and which does everything possible to ensure her safety. Equally important, however, is the need to ensure that the perpetrators of domestic abuse are brought to justice sending out a very clear message that violence against women will be visited with a robust response by the legal system.

"As prosecutors we have been working hard with our colleagues across the justice system to deliver such a service and the pilot Domestic Abuse Court in Glasgow is one success which has shown thus far what can be achieved by partnership working. I hope that through this work we will continue to inspire confidence in those experiencing domestic abuse in Scotland."

Actress Dawn Steele said:

"Domestic violence isn't an easy issue to talk about so a campaign like this is such a great way to get people thinking. An abusive relationship isn't always a violent one - it is often degrading and humiliating acts of abuse too. It can be easy to miss the signs of an abusive relationship if there are no cuts and bruises so it's important that we all look out for our friends and family who may be suffering. Domestic abuse can have a devastating effect on families and I'm happy to support this campaign."

TV Presenter Lorraine Kelly said:

"No woman should have to put up with abuse of any kind, and the consequences can be long-lasting, especially when it occurs within the context of a relationship or family. Every woman deserves respect and the right to live their lives without fear and torment. It is horrifying to think that one in five women in Scotland experience domestic abuse at some point in their life, so I fully support this campaign."

Double Olympic sailing gold medallist Shirley Robertson said:

"Violence of any nature is inexcusable but domestic violence is an appalling and cowardly act. As well as the physical marks, it can crush a woman's confidence and self esteem not to mention the damaging effect it would have on any children who witnessed their mum being attacked. It is important that women in Scotland know there is confidential help from trained advisors available 24 hours a day and places they can go to seek support and refuge."

Michelle Mone, creator of Ultimo and Founder and Co-owner of MJM International, said:

"It is often hard for women to accept that someone close to them, such as a husband or partner, can inflict such pain but it can be even harder to find the confidence and courage to tell somebody about the abuse and get the help which is available. The 16 Days campaign is an excellent way to let women in abusive relationships know that they are not alone in their situation and there are people who understand what they are going through. Domestic abuse has been scarring women in Scotland, both physically and mentally, for too long now and the violence won't fade overnight. However, we can all play our part and publicly condemn the abusers whilst offering our support to the women who suffer."

Singer Michelle McManus said:

"Violence against women is wrong. No woman should be a tenant in their own body. All women deserve the right to be free and independent."

Professor Joan Stringer, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Napier University, and former Chair of the Executive's Strategic Expert Group on Women, said:

"Domestic violence is unacceptable. There are still too many women in Scotland who live in fear of domestic abuse. Victims of domestic abuse do not have to suffer in silence. There are many support groups and facilities, which victims and their families can take advantage of. I would urge anyone suffering from domestic violence to call the Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline."

Liz Kelly, Training Co-ordinator for the Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline, said:

"This year already, we've had over 14,000 calls from women across Scotland. The volunteers working for the helpline work from their own home to help people and they are all really proud to play their part in helping to make a difference. Personally, I think it's a great privilege to help women who are experiencing domestic abuse and I think we should be doing as much as we can to offer support and advice to women living in all parts of Scotland. When women come together, they really can be a very strong force and people do sit up and take notice.

"Domestic abuse happens throughout the year, so we need to highlight it year-round, to offer support to women who want out of abusive relationships."

Mary Dickson, Managing Director of First ScotRail, said:

"Domestic violence and its long term effects have been kept in the dark for far too long. It takes a great amount of courage for women to stand up to the person, so often a loved one, who has abused them. Campaigns such as this are therefore a positive and encouraging step forward in helping women to understand that they are not alone and that they will receive the support they so desperately need.

"No-one should have to suffer domestic abuse, in any of its forms, in silence and I hope this campaign will not only raise awareness of it but also reach out to those who are already having to endure it."

Author Jenny Colgan said:

"Domestic abuse blights the lives of everyone surrounding it, and blights any society that allows it to happen. Please support the No More Violence campaign."

Scotland's highest ranking female police officer, Deputy Chief Constable of Fife, Norma Graham, said:

"Police figures indicate that domestic abuse is a very real issue in Scotland and it is treated by the Scottish Police Service very seriously. Unfortunately, women often feel too intimidated by their husband or partner to report incidents to the police but over the past few years, we have made significant in-roads by implementing specific training to deal with domestic abuse incidents and creating specialist units to help families involved. Strong partnership working with other agencies has also assisted greatly.

"There is now increased public confidence in the way that police deal with domestic abuse incidents and police officers are now better equipped than ever to deal with the sensitivities around domestic abuse. We will ensure that incidents are dealt with sympathetically."

Author Denise Mina said:

"The hardest message to get over is that it isn't your fault. No matter how complicated your relationships is, or how difficult your circumstances, no matter whether you tried to defend yourself, whatever you've done there's never an excuse for raising your hands to someone else.

"It's not about whether you are loveable enough or too flirtatious or not thin or good. It's always about the person who commits the violence. And it'll get worse. We may have to accept that not everyone will get out but they need to know this."

Broadcaster Lesley Riddoch said:

"After recently opening a local women's aid office, it struck me that the volunteers involved have put in decades of work just to get office space to help women who are being attacked in their own homes. Their modesty and perseverance are astonishing.

"Recent statistics suggest Scotland is the most violent country in Europe, yet there is a huge degree of disbelief by people living here. Can you imagine how much courage it takes for women to tackle domestic abuse when the country is in denial about the level of violence that exists? It is always easier to make excuses, hope for change, ignore what's happening. Believing in a better life can feel impossible when your self esteem is scraping the ground. Women's Aid supply faith, hope, space, legal advice, tea and biscuits. Whatever the circumstances. I find that remarkable."

Suzie McGuire, broadcaster on Radio Clyde, said:

"I think people used to feel afraid to come forward and ask for help, and often women just accepted abuse because they were afraid to talk about it. Things have changed in the last decade and women do feel more confident to report incidents and look for help from services available in Scotland. It's frightening to know that there are so many women struggling to deal with this and I would encourage them to seek support and speak out, because help is there."

The 16 Days Campaign originated from the first Women's Global Leader Institute in 1991 and has been used as an organising strategy by individuals and groups around the world to call for the elimination of all forms of violence against women by:

• raising awareness about gender-based violence as a human rights issue at the local, national, regional and international levels
• strengthening local work around violence against women
• establishing a clear link between local and international work to end violence against women
• providing a forum in which organizers can develop and share new and effective strategies
• demonstrating the solidarity of women around the world organizing against violence against women

The campaign runs from International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November) to International Human Rights Day (10 December).

The Executive has committed over £38m towards the provision of services addressing violence against women.