Appeal for public to support 16 Days campaign

ANGUS Violence against Women Partnership (AVAWP) is asking Angus residents to support the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

This year’s 16 Days run from Friday (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) until December 10 (Human Rights Day), with a number of awareness raising activities taking place throughout the period.

On Friday December 9 you can “Walk a mile in her shoes” — a low-level one-mile walk from Lochside Leisure Centre in Forfar, starting at noon.

Walkers are invited to bring along a pair of women’s shoes on a ribbon to carry as a symbol of support.

Police Scotland area commander Chief Inspector David McIntosh said: “Any form of violence against women and girls is unacceptable and shouldn’t be condoned.

“As well as the long-lasting effects on victims, it has a significant impact on families and our community.

“The 16 days campaign is a good way of showing and developing support for those who need it. It also sends a strong message to those who perpetrate abusive, violent or coercive acts that their behaviour is unacceptable.”

Supporters can follow the campaign on Facebook: 16 Days Campaign Angus to share messages against gender-based violence and to keep in touch about the “Walk a mile in her shoes” event.

Voluntary sector member organisations of AVAWP are Angus Women’s Aid, Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (WRASAC) and Tayside Domestic Abuse Service (Barnardo’s).

In support of the 16 Days campaign in Angus, Women’s Aid and WRASAC have organised training events for local professionals to look at some aspects of genderbased violence.

Chief Inspector McIntosh