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Gender Based Violence

What is Gender Based Violence?

Gender based violence is violence directed against a person because of their gender.  Women and girls are primarily at higher risk of violence because of their gender. Children of all genders are also subject to harm through violence. This does not exclude violence against adult men, but rather recognises that women and girls are likely to be affected disproportionately. Many men and boys are also victims of violence, and  this violence remains predominantly  perpetrated by men, though not exclusively so.

Elected Members Briefing Note Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls: What about the Men?  highlighting the inequality of outcomes that other men and women experience as a result of their gender, raising awareness of good practice and exploring the key role that men can play in preventing and challenging VAWG.

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

Violence against women and girls is a grave violation of human rights. Its impact ranges from immediate to long-term multiple physical, sexual and mental consequences for women and girls, including death. It negatively affects women’s general well-being and prevents women from fully participating in society. Violence not only has negative consequences for women but also their families, the community and the country at large. It has tremendous costs, from greater health care and legal expenses and losses in productivity, impacting national budgets and overall development (UN Women)

Types of Gender Based Violence

Definitions as used by Scottish health workers:

Domestic abuse

Rape and sexual assault

Childhood sexual abuse

Commercial sexual exploitation

Harmful traditional practices

Human Trafficking

Sexual Harrassment and Stalking

Taking a Stand Campaigns

WE CAN ALL DO OUR BIT TO END GENDER BASED VIOLENCE.

 

Zero Tolerance Scotland

Zero Tolerance Scotland

End Violence Against Women

End Violence Against Women

White Ribbon Scotland

White Ribbon Scotland

 

Over 100 cases of domestic abuse take place in Shetland every year. There were 64,807 cases recorded in Scotland from 2021-22 - where gender information was recorded every 4 in 5 incidents of domestic abuse involved a female victim and a male suspected perpetrator. Domestic Abuse affects people across our community regardless of sex, race, age, religion, sexuality, income or lifestyle.

 

Domestic abuse is unacceptable and you have a right to be safe. You do have options and there are people who can help you.

These are the phone numbers and weblinks:

POLICE
In an emergency dial 999
Tel: 101 - Non Emergency calls
website

SHETLAND WOMEN'S AID
Tel: 01595 692070
Help for women and children experiencing domestic abuse. May be able to offer safe and secure accommodation for you and your children

office@shetlandwa.org

website

THE COMPASS CENTRE (formerly Shetland Rape Crisis)
Tel: 01595 747174 
Free and confidential information,advocacy and support for anyone in Shetland aged 13 and over affected by any form of sexual violence.

contact@compasscentre.org

website

VICTIM SUPPORT SCOTLAND
Support Co-ordinator - Joyce Horne
14 Market Street, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0DE
Tel: 01595 744524 / E Mail joyce.horne@victimsupportsco.org.uk
Free information, practical help, emotional support and guidance through the criminal justice system.  Empowering people affected by crime.
https://victimsupport.scot/
National Helpline 0800 160 1985

24 HOUR DOMESTIC ABUSE AND FORCED MARRIAGE HELPLINE
Tel: 0800 027 1234
Free confidential support for people who have experienced domestic abuse.
website

MEN'S ADVICE LINE
Tel: 0808 801 0327 
Confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence or abuse.
website