Highland organisation dedicated to protecting women and girls from violence launches 16 days of action with events planned for Inverness, Dingwall and Nairn
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The Highland Violence Against Women Partnership will take its message of equality and violence prevention across the region.
Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of an annual international campaign against gender-based violence.
Lesley Weber, Highland Council’s executive chief officer for health and social care, said: "Highland Council is fully supportive of this campaign and all the work being done locally to raise awareness and tackle issues of gender-based violence."
Jacquelyn Jennett, chair of the Highland Violence Against Women Partnership, said: "Everyone can do something to promote equality and prevent violence against women and girls.
"Violence and abuse can have a devastating impact on the lives of women and children in local communities.
"It is estimated that more than one in three women in Scotland have experienced physical, sexual violence and/or coercive controlling behaviour.
One in five children have experienced domestic abuse."
Activities include a volunteer open evening on December 2 by Rape and Sexual Abuse Services Highland (RASASH), with the organisation seeking new board members and volunteers.
On December 4, Nairn Academy and Inverness Women’s Aid are highlighting work with pupils to design a leaflet raising awareness of domestic abuse and its impact on children and young people.
Six days later in Dingwall, Scottish and Highland women’s aid groups will be present for the launch of new research on survivor participation.
That evening, RASASH are also holding a Reclaim the Night march in Inverness, open to all, setting off from outside Eden Court Theatre at 6.30pm and ending at the High Street.
The Highland Violence Against Women Partnership includes statutory agencies and third sector partners who work together to raise awareness of the harm caused by gender inequality and violence against women and girls.
It also seeks to improve outcomes for women and children affected by violence and abuse.
