Article Date: 14 February 2011

Categories: Live

This is a global, annual event when international attention turns to the elimination of all forms of violence against women.  The event normally takes place from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day), thus making the link between women’s human rights and their experience of violence.

Due to the bad weather in December the majority of our events were cancelled and it was decided to re-run the 16 Days of Action programme to coincide with International Women's Day on 8 March.

Events are taking place across the Borders and are absolutely FREE to attend.  Ranging from a creative writing workshop in Jedburgh, an exhibition in Melrose and a Borders premier of the award winning play The Vagina Monologues in the Heart of Hawick,  there is hopefully something for everyone to take part in the Scottish Borders' first 16 Days of Action!

By participating in the 16 Days of Action the Scottish Borders Violence Against Women Partnership hope to raise awareness of violence against women in the Scottish Borders; receive feedback from communities in the Scottish Borders; challenge people to identify ways in which they can influence/affect change in the Scottish Borders and improve opportunities for women and children in the Scottish Borders to seek safety and support.

The number of domestic abuse incidents that are reported to the police in the Scottish Borders is on the increase.  Over 800 incidents were reported between 2009 and 2010. The vast majority of victims in these cases were women and most of the incidents were ’repeat victims’.  Despite that, there is evidence to suggest that domestic abuse in the Scottish Borders is vastly under-reported.

There has also been a significant increase in the number of child protection referrals related to domestic abuse in the Scottish Borders. The organisation LetSBsafe2 has supported over 70 children with abuse and trauma recovery as a result of living with domestic abuse.

Andrea Beavon, Violence Against Women and Domestic Abuse Coordinator, said “There are many women and children who never seek help, or receive the support they need. This is a real issue and there is a need to raise awareness and give a clear message to our communities that violence in any form is unacceptable.

We know that rape and sexual assault happens and the need for our new Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre demonstrates this. In the past access to specialist support for rape/sexual assault meant survivors travelling outwith the area, but for many, support means coping with the trauma on their own. In the last year alone, nearly 30 women received support outwith the Scottish Borders; thankfully this can now be offered locally.

For further information on the 16 Days of Action programme of events, please contact either Andrea Beavon or Jenny Williamson.