Hitting out against domestic abuse
Event will look at issues affecting women
Renfrewshire is taking part in a national campaign aiming to eliminate violence and sexual abuse towards women.
The 16 Days of Action runs until Monday and in Renfrewshire, includes a women’s conference and last week’s Reclaim the Night march. Tomorrow, there will be a community conference held at the Normandy Hotel.
The event has been organised by Renfrewshire Community Planning Partnership and aims to raise awareness of some of the issues affecting women today.
Speakers, presentations and exhibitors will discuss why feminism has become a bad word for some and will look at violence and abuse, period poverty and equal rights.
Anyone attending the event, which takes place from 9.30am to 2pm, is being asked to get creative and bring along artwork that incorporates at least one bra and bring along a bra for donation to the charity, Smalls for All.
The conference is free and crèche facilities are available. To register in advance, go to eventbrite.co.uk and search for Renfrewshire Women’s Conference.
For more information, contact Women and Children First by calling 0300 300 0345 or email woman.sw@renfrewshire.gov.uk
The 16 Days of Action began with a Reclaim the Night march through Paisley town centre.
Campaigners left from the University of the West of Scotland and marched to the town’s Dunn Square, where Provost Lorraine Cameron led a two-minute silence in memory of those affected by domestic and sexual abuse.
Sp e e c h e s came f rom Renfrewshire’s Year of Young People Champion Councillor Michelle Campbell and from White Ribbon Scotland Ambassador Gavin Newlands MP.
The theme of the march this year was Year of the Young People, Let’s Talk About It, reflecting on the statistic that young people experience the highest rates of domestic abuse of any age group.
Provost Cameron said: “For far too long, fear, silence and stigma have allowed violence against women to escalate to pandemic proportions – and one in three women worldwide now experience gender-based violence.
“It was inspiring to see so many people, including a huge turn-out of men and young people, at the march this year. They are breaking the silence on this issue and giving hope to those who are suffering.”
Anyone suffering from domestic violence can get help via two national helplines, which are available 24 hours a day and are free to call from a landline.
Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0800 027 1234 or Abused Men in Scotland Helpline - 0808 800 0024