Equally Safe 2018: Scotland's strategy to eradicate violence against women

Equally Safe: Scotland's strategy for preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls

'There is one universal truth, applicable to all countries, cultures and communities: violence against women is never acceptable, never excusable, never tolerable.'

United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon

Vision

• A strong and flourishing Scotland where all individuals are equally safe and respected, and where women and girls live free from all forms of violence and abuse – and the attitudes that help perpetuate it

Aim of Equally Safe

• To work collaboratively with key partners in the public, private and third sectors to prevent and eradicate all forms of violence against women and girls

Priorities

• Scottish society embraces equality and mutual respect, and rejects all forms of violence against women and girls
• Women and girls thrive as equal citizens – socially, culturally, economically and politically
• Interventions are early and effective, preventing violence and maximising the safety and wellbeing of women, children and young people
• Men desist from all forms of violence against women and girls, and perpetrators of such violence receive a robust and effective response

Objectives

• Positive gender roles are promoted
• Women and girls are safe, respected and equal in our communities
• People enjoy healthy, positive relationships and children develop an understanding of safe, healthy, and positive relationships from an early age
• Individuals and communities recognise and challenge violent and abusive behaviour
• Women and men have equal access to power and resources
• Justice responses are robust, swift, consistent and coordinated
• Women, children and young people access relevant, effective and integrated services
• Men who carry out violence against women and girls are identified early and held to account by the justice system
• Service providers competently identify violence against women and girls, and respond effectively to women, children and young people affected
• Men who carry out violence against women and girls change their behaviour, and are supported to do so
• Women, children and young people's voices are heard and their rights respected
• Relevant links are made between the experience of women,children and young people in the criminal and civil justice systems

National Outcomes

• We live our lives free from crime, disorder and danger
• We have tackled the significant inequalities in Scottish society
• We have strong resilient and supportive communities where people take responsibility for their own actions and how they affect others
• Our children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed
• We have improved the life chances for children, young people and families at risk
• Our public services are high quality, continually improving, efficient and responsive to people's needs
• We realise our full economic potential with more and better employment opportunities for our people
• We live longer healthier lives