Standing up to violence against women
The 16 days of action is being supported by Fife Rugby Clubs. From left: Michael Delorey (Glenrothes RFC), Stuart Roy (Fife Southern RFC), Superintendant Dougie Milton, Adam Shaw (Waid FP RFC) and Willie Gray (Kirkcaldy RFC).
Men and boys across Fife are being urged to support this year’s White Ribbon Campaign, which raises awareness about violence against women.
They are asked to wear a white ribbon particularly during 16 Days of Action, which started on Sunday.
The white ribbon is a visible sign that they pledge “never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women”. The majority of men in Scotland are not violent towards women, but many people ignore the problem, or see it as nothing to do with them.
So far this year Fife Police has recorded nearly 4000 incidents of domestic abuse.
As a result, agencies within the Fife Community Safety Partnership are encouraging their staff to support the campaign with public and private sectors working together – Fife Police, NHS Fife; Fife Council and Fife Fire and Rescue Service are joining with Stagecoach, other local businesses and prominent individuals to say no to violence.
Superintendent Dougie Milton said: “Violence against women is not just a police problem, it’s everyone’s problem. Fife Police has recorded almost 4000 incidents of domestic abuse so far in 2012. It is a sobering thought that this equates to there being one incident and one victim of domestic abuse in Fife every two hours.
“This is clearly totally unacceptable and it’s imperative that we change men’s behaviour in order to end violence against women.”
Sheila Noble, co-ordinator, Fife Domestic & Sexual Abuse Partnership, said: “Far too many women and children’s lives are blighted by men’s violence – domestic abuse, sexual violence, childhood sexual abuse – we can provide help and support for those who need it.
“But the White Ribbon Campaign is about men standing up and condemning the behaviour of a minority of men who cause so much misery. We cannot end violence against women without changing men’s behaviour.”
She added: “Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for many families and I would urge anyone living in a violent or abusive situation to get help from the support agencies in Fife.”
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Weather for Kirkcaldy
Thursday 20 June 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
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Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
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