Today (Tuesday 10th December) is the final day of this year's 16 Days of Action Against Gender Based Violence.

COSLA's Community Wellbeing Spokesperson, Councillor Maureen Chalmers, has commented:

“The final date of 16 Days coincides with International Human Rights Day. Violence against women is a fundamental attack on women’s rights to agency, freedom, safety and respect.

COSLA and the Scottish Government co-own the Equally Safe Strategy that aims to eradicate all forms of such abuse from Scotland. No one sector or service can do this alone. Our agreed approach over 365 days of every year is to work together to prevent and tackle violence against women and girls. This commitment highlights the critical role of whole system partnership working and collaboration between public and third sector specialist organisations, integrating diverse perspectives and expertise.

By working together, we can enhance support services, achieve shared goals of gender equality, and strengthen the justice response for survivors and perpetrators. Partnership working ensures that our efforts are comprehensive, coordinated, and impactful, making Scotland a safer and more inclusive place for all."