Victims of gender-based violence in West Dunbartonshire are being encouraged to speak out with rates of domestic abuse in the area deemed the second highest in Scotland.
Between 2020 and 2021 there were more than 68,000 instances of domestic abuse in Scotland, with 168 cases reported in West Dunbartonshire.
And councillors warned the true extent of the 'hidden crime' was likely to be far greater, with one suggesting the current figures were just 'the tip of the iceberg'.
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Next month the local authority will mark the international day for the elimination of violence against women and girls as it joins the annual campaign against gender-based violence.
A motion was brought before full council, last night, by councillor Lauren Oxley which asked members to understand that while men and women are both potential victims and perpetrators of violence, that sex and gender-based violence is disproportionately experienced by women.
During the meeting, councillor Oxley praised the work carried out West Dunbartonshire organisations including Clydebank Women’s Aid, Dumbarton District Women’s Aid, and Rape Crisis and asked the council’s communication team to raise awareness for the international day of the elimination of violence against women.
Speaking about her motion, councillor Oxley said: “The international day for violence against women was founded by the United Nations in 2000 although the 25th November has been observed as a day against gender based violence since the 1980s.
“The date honours the Mirabal sisters who were three political activists who were brutally murdered in 1960 by order of their country’s ruler.
“Over 60 years later, we are frequently still seeing scenes of injustice and abuse against women. Across Scotland while many crimes have been going down, sexual crime has been on the rise since 1974 including rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and the threatening of or disclosure of intimate images.
“On top of this 61,000 domestic abuse instances were recorded in 2020 and 2021 with around 80% involving a female victim and a male accused.
“Here in West Dunbartonshire, statistics show that we have the second highest level of domestic abuse cases in Scotland with 168 instances being reported between 2020 and 2021.
“On top of this we can assume that the actual number is much higher as so many cases go unreported. Therefore it is evident that violence against women is a serious issue within our communities and we must tackle it.
“We cannot downplay the importance of joining organisations across the world in the campaign against violence against women.”
The motion received unanimous support from members who also commended the work charitable organisations were doing in the community.
Councillor Michelle McGinty said: “I know that we are aware that the number of instances of domestic violence in West Dunbartonshire are particularly high which is not something we are proud of.
“It is very important that this motion has been brought forward and I would hope that everyone supports it so we can do more and highlight this at every possible turn as it is a hidden crime and is very hard to get witnesses.
“Women are often scared to come forward. I hope agreeing to this motion will help.”
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