Statement from Christina McKelvie, Minister for Older People & Equalities

"The Scottish Government is clear in its position that any form of violence against women and girls is a violation of human rights and will not be tolerated. As Minister for Older People and Equalities, addressing and preventing this type of violence is at the forefront of my agenda.

Whatever form it takes we know that violence against women and girls comes at a huge cost - it inhibits women and girls from realising their true potential, requires resources for immediate intervention and has a toxic impact on wider society.

We all have a role to play in addressing and tackling this violence and the role of social services in responding to and supporting survivors of domestic abuse in particular cannot be underestimated. Having previously worked for Glasgow City Council social work services, I recognise that many social workers work tirelessly to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse and their contribution is vital.

Society is increasingly shining a light on this type of violence. The 16 days of activism against gender based violence is a time to galvanise action to end violence against women and girls, not just in Scotland, but around the world. It is heartening to see the number of organsiations who are recognising that we all have a role to play and that it is only by working together that we can hope to consign violence against women and girls to history".

Christina McKelvie