THIS week, Borderers are being asked to help tackle violence against women and others during this year's 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence campaign.

The international movement begins on Monday, November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and runs up to Tuesday, December 10, on International Human Rights Day.

The #16DaysofAction campaign was created in 1991 by the Women's Global Leadership Institute, and began as 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence. The 16 days are approached differently by different organisations.

In the Borders, Scottish Borders Council are supporting the Violence Against Women Partnership to provide a variety events aimed at helping those living with abuse and to help people recognise the signs of abuse.

The Borders White Ribbon Campaign, being held with Berwickshire Housing Association, encourages people to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. Pledges can be made online via the Council website at: www.scotborders.gov.uk/whiteribbon

Alongside Police Scotland, SBC’s Domestic Abuse Advocacy Service Manager and Violence Against Women Coordinator will be run a Facebook live chat on Wednesday, November 27 from 1-2pm and again at 5–6pm. People should visit @LothiansScottishBordersPoliceDivision where they will have the opportunity to contact the Police through direct messaging with any concerns, queries or general support they may be needing in relation to domestic abuse.

Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre held its annual Reclaim the Night March in Hawick on Monday evening (November 25) and was supported by the Scottish Borders LGBT Equality group. The march aimed to raise awareness of violence and harassment against women and others.

Councillor George Turnbull, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Community Safety, said: “Since 1991, over 5,000 groups in almost 200 countries have been involved in promoting and supporting #16DaysofAction and it remains as important as ever that the Council and partners – and the wider Borders public – are committed to this campaign.

“No-one should live in fear of abuse, whether that be domestic, childhood or sexual and our aim for these #16DaysofAction is to put this issue at the forefront of everyone’s minds. We all have a responsibility, both individually and collectively, to do whatever we can, whether that is making a pledge, taking part in a march or perhaps taking a closer look at our own behaviour or attitudes, or those around us, and making some changes.

Councillor Turnbull added: “Any one of us could find ourselves in the position of having someone confide in us about their abuse, or noticing behaviour that causes us concern, so it’s important to remember that there is help and advice available. Whether we speak in confidence to our GP, the Council’s social work team or a national helpline – what is important is that we take action and talk to someone we can trust.

“If you are someone who is experiencing domestic abuse, or have done so in the past, please be aware that you are not alone. There are people you can talk to. The National Domestic Helpline: 0800 027 1234 is available 24-hours a day, while the Council’s website has a great deal of information that you should find helpful: www.scotborders.gov.uk/domesticabuse. In an emergency you can call 999. If you reach out, you can be sure there will be someone there to listen with the advice, information and help you need.”