The council is once again adding its voice to the annual 16 Days of Action campaign – a global movement to highlight and challenge violence against women and girls.

This year has the theme Light Up and South Lanarkshire is lighting up Hamilton Town House in the campaign colour, orange, to show support. It includes a call for everyone to make a pledge on what part they can play in the fight against Violence Against Women and Girls.

The 16 Days of Action runs from 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, International Human Rights Day.

Leader of South Lanarkshire Council Councillor John Ross said: “Sadly, domestic abuse remains an issue that we, and other partners, are still working to eradicate across society.

“We work together through South Lanarkshire’s Gender-Based Violence Partnership to do all we can to stop such abuse happening. And where, unfortunately, it does happen, we support the victims.

“That’s why I am delighted to give the council’s backing to the United Nation’s campaign of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.”

Depute Leader of the Council Councillor Maureen Chalmers said: “All Scottish councils have agreed to back the campaign, and you’ll see more about the 16 Days of Activism on the council’s social media in the days to come.

“We are also proud to be hosting two events during the 16 Days that will pull together the expertise of a range of people who are involved in this work.

“These will set out to see what more can be done to support two particular groups: those who are victims of sexual exploitation; and those who experience violence against women and who also have substance use issues.”

Council Leader Cllr John Ross launched South Lanarkshire’s support for the 2021 16 Days of Action with an online video voicing the council’s support for the campaign and recording his pledge on behalf of South Lanarkshire to play a part in opposing all violence against women and girls.

Councillor Ross is an official Ambassador for the White Ribbon Campaign, an international movement for men working to end men’s violence against women.

The South Lanarkshire events are part of a packed programme of activity taking place across Scotland and online.