A SNP MP has joined forces with a number of organisations to campaign against domestic violence as cases are expected to rise over the festive period.
Gavin Newlands MP, who brought together a number of campaigning organisations to raise awareness of domestic violence over the Christmas period, recently joined MPs in the House of Commons to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the White Ribbon campaign to end violence against women.
The Renfrewshire MP, who is a White Ribbon Ambassador, spoke at the parliamentary reception alongside former England footballer Paul Elliot CBE. The SNP Westminster group also signed the White Ribbon campaign pledge to ‘never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women’.
White Ribbon the largest international effort – with campaigns in over 55 countries – for men who wish to play their part in ending violence against women across the world. White Ribbon engages both men and boys in taking action of these acts of violence by raising awareness, promoting discussion and providing information and resources to support personal and collective action among men.
Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:
“Domestic violence is a problem that we have to rid from our society and we all have a role to play in supporting people who endure domestic abuse.
“I recently brought together campaigning organisations to highlight the issues- there are a number of organisations throughout Scotland who can help people who experience domestic abuse and I can’t stress enough that people who may be in a violent relationship seek the support and help that’s available to them.
“It is disappointing that domestic abuse, in Scotland, increased by 2.5% over the past year and this highlights the work that we’ve got to do to tackle the issue and help those who are enduring it.
“The festive period is meant to be a time when families come together, however, for too many families this is not the case with cases of domestic violence being highest during the Christmas period.
“As a husband and a father, it is utterly heart-wrenching to contemplate that some households will be experiencing violence this Christmas. I would urge anyone effected by domestic violence to seek help and support.”