PICTURES: Inverness stands up to gender–based violence
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AN Inverness-based charity has marked the start of 16-days of activism with a march for women to 'Reclaim the Night'.
The event was hosted by Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland (RASASH) as part of a campaign of action against gender-based violence.
The international campaign, managed by United Nations Women, calls for the elimination of violence against women and girls globally.
The march named 'Reclaim the Night', calls for women to be able to walk without fear at night.
The march had a great turnout, walking from Falcon Square in Inverness and ending in Ness Walk.
It was supported by Soroptimist International of Inverness and Nairn, which arranged for the Ness Bridge to be lit up orange, from November 25-27, in support of the Highland Violence Against Women Partnership.
Don Kotschugew, Advice manager for RASASH said:"We are marching tonight to promote our service, RASASH for anyone who needs it, and to give voices to women and girls.
One of the marchers on the night, Moira said:"I'm here to support to end of violence against women. Some people think that it doesn't happen in the Highlands, so to highlight that it's just as common in the Highlands as anywhere else
A spokeswoman for RASASH said: “Violence against women isn’t decreasing, it’s increasing. It’s really important that we keep the message going.”
Pete Davidson, one of the marchers, said: “I’ve got a son and daughter, and I want my daughter to be able to grow up in a safe environment where she doesn’t have to walk with keys in her hands from fear.
“I want young people to educate themselves – for boys to be better and women not have to put up with this every day.”
Jack, another marcher said:"The night is everybody's. Everyone should be able to feel safe, there's no reason for violence against women.
The march featured a range of guest speakers, who described why they believe gender-based violence in the Highlands must come to an end.
One of the speakers for the event included the SNP MP for Nairn, Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey, Drew Hendry.
Another speaker was Shanita Carroll, of RASASH, who said: “In Scotland, an estimated one in 10 women have been raped. Sexual violence starts way before most people would think, with cat-calls, comments in the streets or pubs, and also sadly in schools.
“There’s a lot of frustration about how little things have changed, what will our daughters and granddaughters face in the future? I really don’t want this for them.”
Myra Ross, training officer for Highland Violence Against Women Partnership (HVAWP), said:"Whatever walk of life women are in, we are targets for male violence.
"Weather we work in a shop, or parliament, we are subjected to misogyny and threats of violence. Weather we wear a short skirt or a burka, we are at risk from violent men. Weather we are nine, or ninety nine, we are at risk from violent men."
RASASH works in partnership with Rape Crisis Network, and offers support to anyone age 13 and over, and who has suffered any type of sexual or gender-based violence. Call 03330 066909 or email support@rasash.org.uk
