Listen
Domestic abuse campaign
19/12/2007
The latest phase of the Scottish Government's campaign to eradicate domestic abuse and violence against women was launched today.
The campaign starts on Boxing Day and will highlight the impact of domestic abuse on young people. It will feature new television, radio and billboard advertisements.
Domestic Abuse Helpline - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
0800 027 1234
Calls cannot be traced
Film star Nicole Kidman who has made ending violence against women a top priority as the Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Fund for Women, UNIFEM, backs the cause. She said:
"Violence against women and girls is a crime that cannot be tolerated. I know that many women who have been subjected to violence are afraid to denounce their abusers.
"But if all of us send the strong message that violence against women is unacceptable and against the law, we can help women in this situation feel that they can more safely report the crime and access services for survivors."
Ms Kidman currently champions UNIFEM's Internet campaign that encourages people globally to sign their names to a call on ending violence against women. www.saynotoviolence.org
Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell said:
"We are approaching the Christmas holidays, a time traditionally when children look forward to receiving presents, relaxing, and having fun, but this is also a time when many families are affected by domestic abuse and calls to the helpline and police increase.
"Violence against women and domestic abuse continue to devastate the lives of too many women and young people in Scotland.
"Last Christmas hundreds of women contacted the domestic abuse helpline or contacted Women's Aid in response to the campaign.
"I hope many women will hear or see this year's advertisements and take the first steps to seek help to have a life free from fear, free from the blight of domestic abuse. The Scottish Government's message is clear - there is no excuse for domestic abuse."
Heather Coady, Children's Policy Worker at Scottish Women's Aid, said:
"Research shows that one in five women in Scotland will experience domestic abuse. And a large number of children will witness the abuse of their mothers which will have a significant impact on them.
"Domestic Abuse can mean huge loses for children and young people. They often have to move house, leave behind family, friends, pets and possessions and are more likely to experience homelessness, poverty and social exclusion. They often feel very frightened, isolated, angry and confused and the combination of these factors can have a detrimental impact on their educational attainment and their physical and mental health.
"But with the right support, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse can survive and go on to build positive lives.
"We will be working with the Scottish Government to tackle Domestic Abuse in the coming year in order to build on the excellent work that has been done to date."
Domestic Abuse Helpline - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
0800 027 1234
Calls cannot be traced