16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) highlights that violence against women and girls is a human rights and public health issue.
It runs every year from 25 November – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) – until 10 December, which is Human Rights Day.
NHS Lanarkshire is showing support by:
- hosting an online webinar on Domestic Abuse and Heart Disease in Women, facilitated by Dr Nick Riches on 5 December – event details and registration can be found here
- lighting up our acute hospitals orange, from 7-10 December, to put a spotlight on these issues.
- issuing posts on social media highlighting VAWG
In Scotland an estimated one in three women experience domestic abuse at some point in their lives and in the UK a woman is killed every three days by a partner or ex-partner.
The 16 Days campaign highlights the prevalence and extent of GBV and promotes a call for action to speak up about violence against women and girls.
This year’s theme, “Imagine a Scotland without violence against women and girls”, encourages everyone to picture a society that recognises tackling VAWG is everyone’s business, and to share their actions to prevent and eradicate all forms of VAWG.
NHS Lanarkshire Gender-Based Violence Services Manager and Operational Advisor, Ann Hayne, said: “This is the second year of this theme.
“Equally Safe, the Scottish Government’s strategy for eradicating violence against women, has prioritised prevention and tackling gender inequality to improve the lives of women and children.
“What can we do in NHS Lanarkshire to further tackle gender inequality, which is a cause and a consequence of violence against women? Use #16 days to share your actions.
“Our service offers a consultancy for any professional working on a case that involves gender-based violence and staff can self-refer to the service for information and support regarding their own circumstances.
“Training and further information is available on FirstPort. Let’s work together for a Lanarkshire free of gender-based violence.”
If you wish to confidentially discuss your own circumstances or, as a manager, that of a member of staff, please contact the GBV team on 01698 753686 or email GBVServices@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
