Domestic Abuse Rate Rising

Domestic Abuse rates in the Kingdom increased to 3,900 between 2014 and April 2014.

A male-led campaign to reduce the number of incidents has seen Fife labelled a White Ribbon area by the charity of the same name.

Volunteers have been working across the community, in schools and the workplace to raise awareness.

Last year 127 people were victims of violent or sexual assaults, a reduction of 12% on the year before.

Councillor Kenny Selbie Selbie said:

"Violence Against Women is something we should all be concerned about. No woman in Fife should live in fear because she is a woman. Domestic abuse and sexual violence have a huge impact on victims, their families and communities. I am proud as a man to be involved in this campaign. We need to change attitudes and say that this behaviour is not ok and ask more men to speak out against this abuse.

"I am delighted Fife is receiving this award to recognise the hard work of individuals and partners over the course of the last year. Today we are taking stock of progress and committing to continue to promote White Ribbon Fife."

Callum Hendry, Co-ordinator of White Ribbon Scotland added,

"It has been great working with Fife, so much has been achieved with the White Ribbon message being shared across organisations, schools and the community. Over 1200 pledges have been made, many more than the target we set one year ago, and in fact these pledges are around a quarter of the total number of pledges across Scotland, which is a remarkable achievement."