Campaigners say violence against women and girls now a 'national emergency'

Campaigners to end violence against women and girls say the Scottish Government’s current strategy is “failing”, and the situation is now a “national emergency.”

A vigil was held at the Scottish Parliament to remember the 46 women in Scotland who have been killed by men in the last five years.

46 roses were laid as the women’s families and campaigners gathered for a vigil in their honour.

Most of the victims were killed by partners, exes or men who knew them.

Organisers say the Scottish Government’s strategy to reduce violence against women and girls is failing, and is now a national emergency.

Speaking at the vigil, Mary Howden, of Women’s Rights Network Scotland, said: “When you look at the stories of the 46 women who have been killed, the stories are brutal.

Vigil for women killed by men in Scotland STV News

“We’re not talking about accidental harm or anything; they are actually really fundamentally brutal, and it’s heartbreaking to think that women and girls are still being murdered in our society and actually being harmed through domestic abuse, rape, and sexual violence.

“I think that we need to be saying enough.

“The latest stats that have come out have shown that there’s been an increase in domestic abuse cases and actually non-fatal strangulation of girls, where young girls between 16 and 34.

“I think what we need is something that addresses the problem, such as education and training of young boys and men, because clearly if they’re growing up with attitudes that are harmful towards women and girls, then that’s not going to be helpful.”

MSP Pam Gosal is bringing forward a bill aimed at creating a register of domestic abusers.

She told STV News: “Right now, for domestic abuse, I think the Scottish Government and the whole strategy is failing.

“There are some good bits to it, so I’m not going to stand here and say there isn’t.

“However, there is a big issue, as you can see, when numbers are rising, we have around 64,000 cases recorded by police Scotland on domestic abuse.

“I think it’s important that no matter what your policies are, this is about keeping women and girls safe, and you need to be out here listening to people.”

The First Minister said the crimes were completely unacceptable and the Scottish Government would implement its £21 million Equally Safe strategy, which focuses on prevention.