Tuesday November 25th 2025
Hawick, Scottish Borders
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Sixteen days of action highlighting violence against women are launched tonight (Tuesday, November 25) in Hawick.
A Reclaim the Night march hosted by Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre sets off from Cornucopia at 4 Towerdykeside from 6pm, ready to set off at 6.30pm.
Borderers are being asked to come together and show their support for this year’s #16DaysofAction campaign against gender-based violence, taking place until December 10.
The 2025 theme, ‘All Together to prevent and end violence against women and girls’, highlights that tackling violence is everyone’s business. It calls for collective action and celebrates the power of joined-up, community-led efforts to prevent and eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
In Scotland, women and girls continue to be disproportionately affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence and other forms of gender-based violence, most often perpetrated by men.
While men can also be victims, police data shows that at least four out of five incidents involve a female victim and a male accused.
Councillor Tom Weatherston, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for Social Work and Inclusion, said: “This year’s theme reminds us that preventing violence against women and girls is not just the responsibility of services or survivors – it’s something we must all commit to, together.
“Whether it’s joining a march, making a commitment to challenge harmful attitudes or learning more about the issue and how to support someone affected, every action counts.
“If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please know that help is available. You’re not alone. You’ll get all the information you need on the council’s website.
“This includes contact details for our Domestic Abuse Advocacy Support Service and a range of other organisations like the National Domestic Helpline which is available 24-hours on 0800 027 1234. In an emergency, you should always call 999.”
The Domestic Abuse Advocacy Support Service (DAAS) provides support for any adult who has experienced or is experiencing domestic abuse in the Scottish Borders.
The service is free and confidential and aims to help people recover from the impact of living with domestic abuse, including working with survivors to improve safety, reduce the risk of further harm and find the best solutions to stay safe.
For more information about DAAS and the other support that is available, visit http://www.scotborders.gov.uk/domesticabuse. DAAS can also be contacted on 01835 825024 or at: daas@scotborders.gov.uk.
The 16 Days of Action campaign is supported nationally by the Improvement Service, which provides guidelines and materials for local authorities. Internationally, it is coordinated by the Women’s Global Leadership Institute, with more information available at: http://16daysofaction.co.uk
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