Devastating impact of gender-based violence under Highland spotlight as #ChangeHerStory campaign launched

From now until December 10 more than 13 organisations across the Highlands and Islands will be developing and sharing daily content to raise awareness of the impact of gender-based violence in the region's communities, with a specific focus on sexual violence.

The campaign, which is part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, will also call on the general public to post on social media ‘what they would like to see change for women and girls’ using the hashtag #ChangeHerStory.

The submissions will also be used to create a ‘virtual’ Reclaim the Night march, which will take place in the form of a video due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Anyone wanting to follow the campaign’s 16 Posts for 16 Days can subscribe for updates via the website: www.changeherstory.co.uk

Chair of the Highland Violence Against Women Partnership, Highland Council's Jacqueline Jennett said: “Domestic abuse and all other forms of gender-based violence, is a local, national and global concern.

"Gender-based violence has severe, long-lasting and wide-ranging social, health and economic impacts. The costs are high to individuals, families, to our communities and to our services.

“Such violence is deemed as a key public health issue, with the World Health Organisation recognising it to be a major public health problem, and violation of women’s human rights.

"It is estimated to cost the Scottish public purse £4 billion, however, gender-based violence is often hidden and undisclosed, therefore this figure is likely a significant underestimation.”

She added: “I would urge people to get involved in this campaign and share their thoughts on what they would like to see change for women and girls.

"Remember to use the hashtag #ChangeHerStory if posting on social media so that responses can be easily gathered.”