by Councillor Lauren Oxley SNP – Clydebank Waterfront Ward
This morning I joined colleagues, partners, and members of the public to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, and the start of the 16 Days of Activism.
There was a flag raising ceremony outside of Church Street, followed by a workshop in the council chambers where partners and stakeholders came together to discuss how we can work collectively to prevent violence and support those affected. This issue touches every part of the council’s work – from the education we teach in our schools and the design of our public spaces, to social work support and our approach to homelessness.
There is no area of our community untouched by violence against women and girls.
We also heard powerful contributions from our Chief Social Work Officer, Lesley James, and our VAWG Lead Officer, Ilse Sanchez Posso. The scale of the challenge in West Dunbartonshire is stark – we have the second-highest rates of domestic abuse in Scotland, and half of the children and young people on our Child Protection Register have experience of VAWG. These figures are devastating and they underline how vital this work is.
As was emphasised today, it is everyone’s responsibility to build a West Dunbartonshire where toxic, misogynistic and harmful attitudes and behaviours are not tolerated, and where every woman can live safely and thrive.
This is an issue I care about deeply, and the first ever motion I brought to Council after being elected was to mark this day and call for further action. We must all continue to stand together, speak out, and do the work needed to end violence against women and girls.