New "It's Time" initiative unites public figures, employers, government and communities to tackle the root causes of violence against women and girls across Scotland
Today, The Sunday Post has launched “It's Time”, a major national campaign aimed at transforming how Scotland tackles violence against women and girls.
Developed in partnership with 1st Class Credit Union, a not-for-profit financial co-operative, the initiative will bring together government, employers, public services, sporting organisations, cultural figures, community groups and leading experts, including Scottish Women's Aid, Beira's Place, Women's Rights Network Scotland, the Scottish Rape Crisis Alliance, Professor Jane Monckton-Smith, Barnardo's and Aberlour, to challenge harmful attitudes, support those affected by domestic abuse and promote healthy, respectful relationships.
The campaign follows an overwhelming public response to The Sunday Post's reporting earlier this year on the reality and scale of violence and abuse experienced by women and girls across Scotland. The series sparked widespread discussion online and prompted calls for action from across Scottish society.
Yet much of this abuse remains hidden. It is estimated that of the 348,000 violent attacks carried out against women each year, only one in six are ever reported to the police.
The campaign is founded on a simple belief: violence against women and girls is not inevitable. Whether in homes, workplaces, schools, sports grounds or online spaces, attitudes can be challenged, behaviours can be changed and lives can be protected through collective action.
Education and prevention will sit at the heart of It's Time. The campaign will work with partners across Scotland to ensure practical support is available for those facing abuse.
As part of the campaign, The Sunday Post and its partners will focus on a range of initiatives, including:
The campaign will also highlight the devastating impact domestic abuse has on children and families and advocate for greater recognition of violence in the home as a significant threat to family wellbeing.
Support for It's Time already spans sport, entertainment, business and public life.
Those involved in discussions and supporting the campaign include football figures Andy Walker and Michael Devlin, musicians Annie Lennox, Barbara Dickson, Callum Beattie and KT Tunstall, writer Val McDermid, actors Joanna Vanderham and Gary Hollywood, and senior public figures including Lord George Robertson, Baroness Helena Kennedy, Lady Eilish Angiolini and Dame Jackie Baillie.
The campaign is also engaging with national institutions and public service partners including the Scottish Government, Police Scotland, the Scottish Ambulance Service, Community Justice Scotland and the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit.
Together, supporters will amplify the campaign through media, community engagement and partnerships that challenge misogynistic narratives and promote positive attitudes towards women and girls.
Thomas Hawkins, Editor of The Sunday Post said:
"It's Time is about bringing Scotland together to confront an issue that affects families, communities and future generations. The response from our readers made it clear that people want action as well as awareness. This campaign aims to help deliver both.
"The statistics are stark. Nearly 200 women have been killed by men in Scotland over the past 16 years. Every day, hundreds more experience violence and abuse. Those figures demand action.
"It's Time is our commitment to helping drive that change. By bringing together employers, government, public services, communities and influential voices from sport and entertainment, we want to help build a Scotland where women and girls are safe, respected and free from violence."
Annie Lennox, the internationally acclaimed musician and founder of global feminist organisation The Circle, said:
“It’s absolutely imperative that gender-based violence is taken out of the shadows and fully exposed once and for all!
“We live in a world where one in three women experience sexual or physical violence in their lifetime. This could be your daughter, your sister, mother, grandmother, friend, neighbour, work colleague, or the woman walking past you right now.
“We must include men and boys in this dialogue, so it becomes a shared understanding that violence against women is totally unacceptable! Just as society transformed attitudes towards smoking, we can transform attitudes and behaviours that allow violence to continue.
“Violence is not inevitable. We believe this pandemic of violence, can and must be changed. No man should ever use violence against a woman. Whether through intimidation, abuse or physical harm, it is a cowardly and deeply destructive act that has no place in our society. Together, we can create a world where violence against women and girls is never tolerated, never ignored and never excused.”
Rebecca Miskin, CEO of DC Thomson added:
"Violence against women and girls is an issue that demands action. We have a responsibility not only to report on it, but to highlight its impact, challenge the attitudes that allow it to persist and support efforts to create lasting change.
“At DC Thomson, we believe in using our platforms to champion the issues that matter most to our communities, giving a voice to those too often unheard and bringing people together around the need for change.
"It's Time is a campaign rooted in hope - hope that attitudes can change, hope that more women and girls can live free from fear, and hope that by working together across Scotland, we can create safer communities and a brighter future for generations to come."
The campaign's supporters believe Scotland has successfully changed public attitudes before, most notably around drink-driving and smoking.
The Sunday Post is inviting individuals, employers, community organisations and public bodies across Scotland to support the It's Time campaign. To follow the campaign, read the latest coverage and learn how to get involved, visit www.sundaypost.com or follow The Sunday Post across social media.