NHS Ayrshire & Arran (NHSAA) is the latest organisation to pledge to “never to commit, condone or remain silent about men's violence against women.”
NHSAA Health Board has signed up to the White Ribbon Campaign, an international effort to end violence against women.
The campaign emphasises the vital role of non-perpetrating men in challenging and stopping violence against women and is promoting opportunities for these men to be involved in the campaign in Scotland.
The Board also endorsed the updated gender-based violence action plan (2018-21), which aims to strengthen the role of the NHS to work towards the prevention and eradication of violence against women and girls.
Dr Martin Cheyne, Chairman of NHSAA Health Board said:
“Gender-based violence is a major public health issue with considerable consequences for the physical, mental, emotional and sexual health of people who have experienced it. We have a pivotal role in identifying and managing this issue, as nearly all survivors of abuse - both female and male - will interact with health services at some point.
“With so many families across Ayrshire and Arran affected by domestic violence, I am proud that NHSAA is pledging to speak out and take action.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“Our healthcare service plays a vital role in identifying and protecting victims of gender-based violence so I am delighted to see the board of NHSAA has committed to participating in the White Ribbon campaign. I personally signed the pledge almost a decade ago together with, then, North Ayrshire Council Leader David O’Neill and I’m pleased to see the campaign has steadily gathered strength, albeit with still some way to go.
“This SNP Government is enhancing legislation to give victims better protection and improving court responses to crimes; better to hold those committing offenders to account and improve public safety. Partnership working between our government, public organisations like NHSAA, and individuals, is key to ending violence against women and girls in Scotland.”
To find out more about the White Ribbon Campaign, please visit:
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