16 Days of Action Campaign Messages
From Friday 25 November to Saturday 10 December, we took part in 16 Days of Action, an online campaign to encourage meaningful conversations, share learning, signpost to support, and raise awareness of gender-based violence in all its forms.
During this time we’ve heard from some incredibly brave, passionate and empowering women (and men), all of whom are committed to tackling gender-based violence in East Ayrshire and beyond.
Find our key campaign messages below and join us in tackling violence against women and girls in East Ayrshire, now and into the future.
Women earn less
Every week women in Scotland earn around £169.40 less than men.
Gender inequality is a root cause of violence against women and girls
It’s time to ask #WhatNext and unite to make the world a fairer place.
Find out more in the Sex and Power report from Engender Scotland.
Women are disproportionately affected by the cost of living crisis
The cost of living crisis will disproportionately impact women experiencing domestic abuse, with 96% saying it has made the abuse worse.
Get involved in #16DaysofAction, use the hashtag #WhatNext, and be a voice for women and girls in Scotland.
Find out more through Improvement Service Scotland.
Women are more likely to experience financial abuse
89% of women experience financial abuse as an aspect of coercive control.
This means that women and children exposed to this type of gender-based violence are at a much higher risk of living in poverty.
t’s time to ask #WhatNext and unite to make life safer for women and children in Scotland.
Find out more through Improvement Service Scotland.
You can also get involved in the Safe Lives Spotlight on Young People and Domestic Abuse.
Women are disproportionately affected by domestic abuse
Women and girls are disproportionately affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence and other forms of violence committed mainly by men.
Get involved in #16DaysofAction, use the hashtag #WhatNext, and be a voice for women and girls in Scotland.
Find out more on the Scottish Government website.
Women exposed to gender-based violence are more likely to need mental health support
Women and girls who have experienced gender-based violence are much more likely to need mental health support, and even more so following the social isolation of Covid-19.
Join us in #16DaysofAction and find out more in the Safelives Spotlight on Domestic Abuse and Mental Health.
Women feel unsafe
Women and girls are more likely to feel unsafe while out and about, due to the increased risk of them harassed or assaulted.
This is detrimental to their mental health and right to use public places without fear.
Join us in #16DaysofAction and find out more on the Scottish Community Safety Network website.
Some women and girls are at risk of FGM (female genital mutilation)
FGM is a form of violence against women and girls, which violates their right to bodily autonomy and has long-lasting effects on their physical and mental wellbeing.
The Scottish Refugee Council estimates that 30,000 people currently living in Scotland were born in countries that practise FGM.
Read about Scotland’s National Action Plan to end FGM.
Women with a disability are more likely to experience gender-based violence
Today (Saturday 3 December) is the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Did you know that women and girls with a disability are more likely to experience gender-based violence? They may also face more difficulties in accessing support.
Read the Daisie Report from Wise Women Glasgow to find out more.
Men and boys can make a difference
Today (Monday 5 December) we renew our pledge with White Ribbon Scotland to speak up and take a stand against gender-based violence.
Men and boys can make a difference by changing the way they speak to and about women.
Head to the Don’t Be That Guy campaign website to find out more.
Gender-based violence can cause significant trauma
Women and girls subjected to gender-based violence can experience significant trauma to their mental health.
It’s so important that victims of #VAWG have access to appropriate and adequate support.
A trauma-informed approach can support recovery.
Find out more on the Improvement Service Scotland website.
Gender-based violence costs public money
Violence against women and girls comes at a huge cost to the public purse, costing Scotland £4 billion each year.
Women also face economic inequality, and many feel unsafe at work due to fear of harassment and intimidation.
Find out more about women’s workplace equality at the Equally Safe website.
Women involved in prostitution are at higher risk of gender-based violence and its long-term effects
Women involved in prostitution are at greater risk of poor mental, physical and sexual health, as well as physical assault, rape and attempted rape.
We need to support women in prostitution to get the support they need.
Visit the CSE Aware website for more information.
Over the past 16 days East Ayrshire also renewed its White Ribbon pledge, held the Violence Against Women Partnership’s Annual Conference, organised guided walks and braved the cold for the Reclaim the Night walk through Kilmarnock town centre – all supported by the East Ayrshire Violence Against Women Partnership and its many members.
Although our campaign for 2022 is over, we’re committed to speaking up for women and girls at every opportunity.
Thank you for joining us in #16DaysofAction 2022.
