Over 830 Fifers take part in campaign to end violence against women

Over 830 Fifers took part in the 16 days of activism to end violence against women, which finished with an Equalities Fair held on Human Rights Day (10 December).

The Fair was attended by staff from Fife Violence Against Women Partnership (FVAWP) to raise awareness of the support available to victims and to highlight the campaign.

A range of activities took place throughout the 16 days including a Reclaim the Night march, events, training sessions and the opportunity for people to add their name to the white ribbon pledge.

FVAWP are a partnership of many organisations working together to end violence against women. These include Fife Council, Police Scotland Fife Division, NHS Fife, Fife College, St Andrews University, Fife Women’s Aid, Shakti Women’s Aid, Victim Support, Kingdom Abuse Survivors Project (KASP), Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre (FRASAC) and Safe Space.

The international 16 days campaign is a time where individuals, communities and organisations come together annually to raise awareness of the impact of violence against women and voice the need to end it.

A number of events took place this year in Fife as part of the international campaign.

An audience took part in a conversation with authors Alan Bissett (Lads: A guide to respect and consent) and Lynne Crawford (The Petriarchy). It focussed on talking to young people about relationships, navigating the world around them and recognising unhelpful gender stereotypes, using these books as conversation starters. The partnership also purchased copies of Lads to gift to every high school in Fife as a tool for the Mentors in Violence Prevention programmes in each school.

Fife Women’s Aid held an online webinar with world renowned domestic abuse expert Dr Emma Katz. It was an opportunity for people in Fife to hear Dr Katz speak about the impact that domestic abuse has on children and young people. This was followed by a video made to show the work being done in Fife to support mums impacted by domestic abuse, and even included some mums sharing their feelings about the support group. An attendee at the event said: “It was horrible to hear the extreme lengths perpetrators will go to, to maintain control, however it was fantastic to hear how strong the mothers and their children can become once they are free from this.”

A showing of the What Were You Wearing exhibition took pace for S5 and S6 pupils in Dunfermline High School. This exhibition, which has toured Fife in a variety of public spaces, aims to challenge the myth of victim blaming by showing recreations of clothing that victims were wearing when they were sexually assaulted, along with a written statement from each victim. It emphasises that sexual assault is never the fault of the victim, no matter what you were wearing. The exhibition has been described as ‘powerful’ and ‘heartbreaking’ by visitors.

Reclaim the Night march and event took place in Kirkcaldy with around 200 people turning out to march and make noise along the High Street. Marchers brought fantastic banners, and it was well received by the local community. Several people came out on to the street to watch and ask questions of the marchers.

An after event of speakers and conversation was attended by over 100 people and encouraged them to think hopefully, imagining what a Scotland without violence against women would be like. Comments received included: “We wouldn’t have to explain gender-based violence and justify equality” / “It’s a human right” and “Where I would be able to run with headphones on full, day or night and feel safe.”

Throughout the 16 days, the White Ribbon pledge was promoted – encouraging people to sign the pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. It’s not too late to support the campaign, you can sign the pledge on the White Ribbon Scotland website at whiteribbonscotland.org.uk/make-your-pledge

Within the partnership, a range of events were run to increase staff knowledge and understanding, and allow space for conversations and networking.

Laura Pearson, coordinator of the Fife Violence Against Women Partnership said: “The 16 days campaign is really important to us in Fife as a chance to be visible and talk to people about our work towards ending violence against women. We work on campaigns all year round with the goal to raise awareness of issues, such as women’s safety, stalking and sexual assault, and share information about where people can receive support. We need to keep raising awareness about women’s rights and show how we can all play a part in working towards a Scotland where everyone can feel safe.”

Elric Honore, Chief Executive for Fife Centre for Equalities (FCE), added: "The 16 Days of Activism is an important campaign which offers the opportunity to work alongside local partner organisations, hosting varied events to share information and raise awareness of the impact of violence against women.

"At FCE, we want to make sure that any person who is seeking advice or help is able to get contact the support agencies in the partnership who are working towards the goal of ending gender-based violence."

Anyone impacted by domestic abuse or sexual assault can receive support from Fife Women’s Aid - 0808 802 5555 or www.fifewomensaid.org.uk or Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre - 01592 642336 or www.frasac.org.uk