Arbroath has held its first vigil in memory of women who have been killed by men.
The event marked the end of the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls.
In September, the Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre opened their first office in Angus.
Charity volunteer Amy Black told STV News: “Year on year we’re seeing our referrals increase in Angus.
“Tonight it was really important for us to raise the profile of the effects of gender-based violence in Angus and to put on this vigil to honour the lives of these women that have been lost across the UK.”
Over the last 16 days, a series of events have been held across Angus as part of the global campaign to end gender based violence.
Earlier this year, a report from the council’s Violence Against Women Partnership found reports had increased sharply across the region.
Reports of domestic violence incidents had increased by 12% between 2021-2022, while the number of sexual crimes rose by 9% from 2021-2022.
Angus councillor Julie Bell said: “The numbers around domestic abuse and gender based violence generally are quite shocking.
“Angus for some reason seems to be quite an outlier.
“So we need to see some change through those numbers.
“We need to see those numbers coming down, we need to see women and girls feeling safe walking the street at night.”
Now, the role men play in ending gender-based violence is being discussed.
Councillor Kenny Braes has been leading the White Ribbon campaign in Angus and Arbroath Football Club have pledged to lend their support to tackling the issue.
But he said more men need to take part.
“Violence against women and girls is largely perpetrated on them by men and men are the problem,” he said.
“Men have to be a big part of the solution.
“It’s a blight on Scotland and it’s something that has to change – the sooner the better.”
More information about the White Ribbon Campaign can be found on the website.
Help and support for any of the issues raised can be found on WRASAC’s website.
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