Listen
16 young Scots highlight domestic abuse
25/11/2007
Sixteen inspirational young Scots have added their voices to the international campaign, 16 Days of Action Against Gender Violence, to highlight domestic abuse in Scotland and to encourage young people experiencing abuse at home to talk to someone for support.
Successful names, aged under 30, from sport, music, business, television and fashion have come together for the first time to speak out about domestic abuse and the impact it has on young people exposed to it.
The 16 Days campaign starts today, International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women, and sport stars such as Wimbledon champion, Jamie Murray, footballers James McFadden, Stephen McManus and Steven Naismith, musician Sandi Thom, and Scotland's youngest MSP, Aileen Campbell, are using the annual campaign to put on record their views on domestic abuse.
The Scottish Government also backs the campaign as part of its work to tackle violence against women, which includes the 'Domestic Abuse, there's no excuse' campaign.
Minister for Communities and Sport, Stewart Maxwell, welcomes the support of these successful young Scots, he said:
"Domestic abuse and violence is a reality for too many women in Scotland and across the world. The 16 Days of Action campaign serves as a stark reminder of the unacceptable issue of male violence against women, through crimes such as rape, sexual assault and domestic abuse.
"The Scottish Government is committed to eradicating violence against women and domestic abuse. We should all be concerned about the scale of violence experienced by women and the deep impact it has on children and young people.
"I welcome that these successful young Scots are lending their voice to this important issue - it's important that young people speak out about domestic abuse and that their voices are heard."
Haram Azfal, 21, Young Scottish Female Muslim of the Year, said:
"Domestic abuse is a criminal offence. Don't carry on being a victim of it. You might feel trapped, and it can be difficult to see a way out, but there are people waiting to help you. Set yourself free and be a survivor."
Aileen Campbell MSP, Scotland's youngest MSP at age 27, said:
"MSPs are elected to represent everyone and we are there to help. Asking for help or speaking out won't get you into trouble. It's the first step towards making things better. Never suffer in silence."
Olympic gold medal swimmer, Caitlin McClatchey, 22, said:
"It is not just adults that experience domestic abuse, children and young people are also affected. To all those that are suffering I urge you, please, to speak out to someone, be it your teacher, family member or an adult you trust. There is no reason for you to suffer and there are plenty of people ready to help you."
Runner up in Any Dream Will Do, Craig Chalmers, 25, who is currently playing Joseph in the touring musical, said:
"Domestic Abuse should not be tolerated under any circumstances and if you are suffering from domestic abuse I urge you to speak to the people that can help you. Don't suffer in silence!"
Sweet Sixteen actor, Martin Compston, 23, said:
"domestic abuse is seen as an issue that shouldn't be spoken about. This is not true and is a stigma that can often stop innocent youngsters from speaking out about what they face day in day out. I urge anyone who finds themselves in this distressing situation to talk to someone."
Scottish rugby player, Alasdair Dickinson, 24, said:
"It's astounding that so many young people are affected by domestic abuse at home. It must be very difficult to cope with the feelings of isolation, fear and despair but by just talking to someone about what you are going through at home will be an enormous weight off your shoulders. Help is available and whether it's a family member, teacher or friend, it's the first step to dealing with what's happening. Playing a team sport has taught me the importance of communicating and by offering each other support we are able to become a stronger unit."
Young entrepreneur, Fraser Doherty, 18, who started up SuperJam this year and sold his product to supermarkets, said:
"I have never witnessed any form of domestic abuse during my life and, in a lot of ways; this is exactly what makes domestic abuse such a worrying crime. It is something that goes on behind closed doors and most people are completely unaware that it is happening. It is a secret crime. The fact that its existence is often unknown is sick and depressing. I would urge anyone experiencing this to speak to someone, as I'm sure that will be the key to a way out."
Wimbledon mixed-doubles champion, Jamie Murray, 21, said:
"Far too many young people across Scotland are suffering unnecessarily because of what is happening to those closest to them. Domestic abuse is often regarded as a private issue but the most important thing you can do is speak out about it. Don't be embarrassed, it is not your fault and you don't deserve to be affected by what is happening at home. By speaking out, whether it be to a mate, an adult or a helpline, you are doing the bravest thing you possibly could."
And Scottish Fashion Model of the Year, Brigid McGaw, 22, lent her support:
"'I think we can often forget how lucky some of us are. When I hear about the ordeals that so many young people across Scotland have had to endure, it breaks my heart. The fear and distress that this must insight is unimaginable however by communicating these feelings to another person gradually this may help lessen the load. It isn't always easy to open up about personal experiences but it really can make all the difference."
Scotland football stars James McFadden, 24, Stephen McManus, 25, and Steven Naismith, 21, have also thrown their support to the campaign.
Scotland's hero striker and Everton player, James McFadden, said:
"domestic violence in any way shape or form is totally unacceptable. There is no place for it in our society and I would urge anybody who is aware of it to speak up."
Celtic captain, Stephen McManus commented:
"Myself and all the other players at Celtic are delighted to support the Scottish Government's campaign to combat domestic abuse. We should do all we can to eliminate violence against women and everyone at the Club is fully support of this excellent initiative."
Rangers' striker Steven Naismith said:
"The effects of domestic abuse can be devastating, particularly on children so it is important they know that help is available. That is why all the players and staff at Rangers are delighted to support this campaign to combat domestic abuse."
MTV presenter, Shantha Roberts, 25, said:
"Often the right thing to do is also the hardest thing to do - it can be a huge step telling someone about it, but once you do, the first hurdle is overcome. A friend or professional can give you much needed support in difficult times. They help you remember you are special."
Scottish opera tenor and former number one in the Classical Charts, Nicky Spence, 24, said:
"The impact of domestic violence goes much further than the bruises it can cause. In time, bruises fade, but to a young person witnessing domestic violence between parents, older siblings or even experiencing it themselves can affect the way they conduct their entire lives. Exposing young people to this kind of abuse sets the precedent that this kind of relationship is normal. It's not. It's a destructive, disrespectful and often habitual behaviour that can destroy families, livelihoods and can breed through many generations. Everyone is worth more than that.
"Be brave and speak up! There are amazing people out there who can talk you through it, support you and have often even been in a similar situation themselves. Remember... bruises fade but the memory lasts forever."
Another musician, Sandi Thom, 26, said:
"Don't be afraid to speak out, you don't have to suffer in silence."
Ae Fond Kiss actor, Atta Yaqub, 27, said:
"Being a young person you are constantly faced with so many challenges. Coming from a Pakistani and Muslim background, I can fully appreciate those challenges, and I feel it is important for young people to voice there opinions, views and feelings. Young people should voice their feelings on domestic abuse, and by doing so they can help stop the suffering, but also help change the world of tomorrow."
Anyone who is experiencing or who knows of someone who may be experiencing domestic abuse can call the Scottish Domestic Abuse helpline on 0800 027 1234. Calls are free and confidential. Alternatively, log on www.domesticabuse.co.uk for further information.
Children who are experiencing domestic abuse can contact Childline on 0800 1111 for support and help.
The United Nations designated 25 November as International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women in 1999. The 16 Days campaign runs from this date until the 10 December, International Human Rights Day, to symbolically link violence against women and human rights and to emphasise that such violence is a violation of human rights. Organisations in over 150 countries around the world celebrate the 16 Days of Action campaign.
The 16 Days of Action Against Gender Violence 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 and abuse 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 organisers can develop and share new and effective strategies
- demonstrating the solidarity of women around the world organising 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 international campaign of action is supported by the Scottish Government.