Violence Against Women Partnership
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West Dunbartonshire has the fourth highest rate of domestic abuse incidents in Scotland (2022-2023).
We are committed to improving services and our response to domestic abuse and the amount of gender-based violence (GBV) in the area.
What is Gender-based Violence (GBV)?
The Scottish Government defines GBV as violence that is caused by inequality between men and women. It is an abuse of male power and privilege.
GBV includes actions that cause physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women and children. This can include threats, coercion, or taking away someone's freedom, whether this happens in public or private life.
This violence is mainly carried out by men, and women are mainly the victims. Calling it 'gender-based' highlights the fact that this violence happens because of the unequal status of women and girls in society.
GBV is often called Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). This violence includes, but is not limited to:
- Physical, sexual, and psychological violence that happens in the family, community, or institutions (including domestic abuse, rape, and incest).
- Sexual harassment, bullying, and intimidation in any public or private space.
- Commercial sexual exploitation (including prostitution, pornography, and trafficking).
- Child sexual abuse (including family sexual abuse, child sexual exploitation, and online abuse).
- So-called 'honour-based' violence (including dowry-related violence, female genital mutilation, and forced/child marriages).
Equally Safe Strategy
Equally Safe is the joint strategy between COSLA and the Scottish Government to prevent and end GBV in Scotland.
The strategy was refreshed in 2023. It aims to reduce and prevent violence by using a collaborative approach across all sectors.
Read the Equally Safe strategy
West Dunbartonshire's Violence Against Women Partnership
The Violence against Women Partnership is how we deliver the Equally Safe strategy locally. This multi-agency partnership works together to provide support to all victims of GBV and reduce violence in the area.
The Partnership includes:
- Women's Aid
- Victim Support
- Police Scotland
- Scottish Fire & Rescue
- West Dunbartonshire Criminal Justice and Children and Families Social Work
- Housing and Homeless Services
- Education, Adult support services
- NHS and other third sector organisations and leading domestic abuse charities
Our Gendered Approach
We recognise that the inequality between men and women is both a cause and a result of this violence and abuse. We are committed to taking a gendered approach to tackle this inequality.
This approach recognises that:
- Women and girls are disproportionately affected by this violence and experience it because of their gender.
- Men are more likely to perpetrate this violence.
By using a gendered approach, we also ensure we consider gender stereotypes. This helps men who suffer domestic abuse or sexual violence to recognise the abuse and seek support.