Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) is pleased to be working in partnership with the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) network.
16 Days of Action against violence against women and girls takes place from 25 November to 10 December, to increase awareness of the need to tackle gender-based violence including domestic abuse.
The Global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence against women is an international campaign originating from the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991. Orange is the colour designated by the UN Secretary-General's UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign; it represents a brighter future, free from violence against women and girls, as a unifying theme running through all of its global activities.
The VAWG network and partners theme “Light Up” will continue this year and aims to highlight the issue of VAWG whilst encouraging people to get involved using awareness raising and community-led activities. To support the campaign the HSCP have organised Castle House, part of Highland Mary monument and the War Memorial in Dunoon and McCaigs Tower in Oban to be lit up orange on the 25 November, 9 &10 December to spotlight and share awareness that Violence against women and girls is everyone’s business and everyone has a role to play in preventing it.
Rape Crisis is also hosting a candle lit vigil that will take place on Friday 9th of December from 6.30pm at the bandstand on Argyll Street in Dunoon and they are inviting community members to join them.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse or other forms of gender based violence help is available. Argyll and Bute Council has a domestic abuse web page that has information on both local and national services that are there to listen and offer help.
Local services include:
- Argyll and Bute Women’s Aid (all areas)
- phone 01369 706636
- email info@abwa.org.uk
- Argyll and Bute Rape Crisis
- phone the Helpline 0800 121 4685
- email support@ab-rc.org.uk
- Housing services can also offer support if you are fleeing domestic abuse.
- Out of Hours contact number for all areas: phone 0345 056 5457