ONE of Scotland’s top police officers has signed a pledge to help end violence against women and girls as a “clear signal of intent” from the force.
Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone and other members of Police Scotland’s executive gave their backing to the White Ribbon pledge – part of a global campaign to end male violence against women.
Today’s White Ribbon Day marks the start of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
Livingstone, the most senior of Scotland’s three deputy chief constables, recently delayed plans to retire after it was announced that Chief Constable Phil Gormley had been put on special leave as allegations of gross misconduct against him are investigated.
He said: “Violence against women takes many forms, whether it’s sexual crime, domestic abuse, human trafficking, female genital mutilation or another form of abuse.
“The vast majority of these offences take place in private or in virtual space rather than public spaces. While most men do not perpetrate violence against women, the overwhelming majority of offenders are men.
“Signing the White Ribbon pledge is a clear signal of our intent. We won’t remain silent, as individuals and as a service.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here