GILRUTH WELCOMES STRATEGY TO TACKLE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Published date : 24 Nov 2017

Mid Fife & Glenrothes MSP Jenny Gilruth has welcomed the announcement of a new Scottish Government strategy to prevent violence against women and girls.

The Equally Safe delivery plan includes measures to teach school children the importance of consent and healthy relationships and will see Rape Crisis Scotland’s sexual violence prevention programme rolled out across a further 11 local authorities.

Across the Kingdom, Fife Women’s Aid offer invaluable support for women, children and young people who have been the victim of domestic abuse. The organisation raises awareness, locally and nationally, on the effects of domestic abuse on women, children and young people, while offering one to one support and even refuge accommodation when needed.

Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP Jenny Gilruth commented:

“It is extremely worrying that while overall crime levels in Scotland have gone down in the past few years, sexual crimes – much of which is directed at girls and young women – have continued to rise to record levels.

“The additional funding to expand Rape Crisis’s sexual violence prevention programme is a key part of the Scottish Government’s drive to end sexual violence and harassment in Scotland – working with young people through prevention programmes to change the future attitudes of our society.

“I am delighted that my constituency office in Markinch will be acting as a drop off point for festive gift donations to Fife Women’s Aid annual festive gift appeal.

“I am inviting constituents to come along to my constituency office in Markinch on Monday 4th December between 1pm – 2.30pm for a festive catch up, warm drink and a mince pie! I’d like to encourage those who attend to bring along a small festive donation to help Fife Women’s Aid with their gift appeal this Christmas.

The Scottish Government strategy will be supported by more than £1 million of additional funding and includes an ‘Equally Safe’ accreditation scheme which will be developed for employers to promote best practice in tackling gender based violence in the workforce, including sexual harassment.

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