This year, our Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) raised awareness and shined a light on 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. 

16 Days is a global campaign that calls for the elimination of gender based violence against women and girls. The campaign was launched by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership in 1991 and takes place from 25 November to 10 December every year.

The campaign is backed by the United Nations and organisations around the world with a call for the prevention and elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

Supporting this campaign aligns with the Scottish Government’s Equally Safe priorities, which highlights the need for agencies across Scotland to work together to tackle violence against women and girls.

During 2021 to 2022, Police Scotland recorded 64,807 incidents of domestic abuse, and figures from UN Women show that one in three women experience physical or sexual violence mostly by a partner.

To support these ongoing issues, last year we launched our first Domestic Abuse Strategy, aimed at supporting people affected by domestic abuse in Glasgow more effectively. You can watch our Domestic Abuse Strategy video for more information on the strategy. 

This year, we have been raising awareness of the 16 Days campaign on our social media channels and signposting to the available supports and our Your Support Your Way webpage. 

There is help and support available in Glasgow for those suffering from gender-based violence and abuse:

•    ASSIST – a specialised support service linked to Glasgow's Domestic Abuse Court that focusses on reducing the risk to and improving the safety of victims of domestic abuse. ASSIST aims to ensure that all survivors of domestic abuse – women, children and men – are safe, informed and supported throughout their involvement with the criminal justice system
•    Glasgow Women’s Aid – has been supporting women, children and young people who are experiencing Domestic Abuse for 50 years
•    Routes Out – offers a wide range of services to women involved in prostitution or those considering it
•    Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (TARA) – provides support to women aged 18 or over who have been trafficked in Scotland for commercial sexual exploitation
•    Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline – 0800 027 1234
•    Archway – a specialist service in Glasgow made up of a team of experts experienced in caring for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted within the last 7 days
•    Your Support Your Way Glasgow – find out more about supports available

Every year the 16 Days campaign highlights the real impacts of violence against women, and the role we all can play in stopping this. It’s also an opportunity for us to reach out to women to let them know that they’re not alone and that help is available.

Lynsey Smith, Head of our HSCP’s Adult Services (Justice Services) and Health and Social Care Connect, said: "The 16 Days campaign gives us the opportunity to highlight all the services available to those who have experience gender based violence, but it’s even more important to remember that violence happens every day and it’s up to all of us to make no excuse and keep raising awareness. I would also like to personally thank our staff around Glasgow that provide much needed services all year round for women experiencing violence.”