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December 9, 2016
The Renfrewshire community donned high heels and walked the length of Paisley High Street to support this year’s ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ campaign.
Campaigners prepare to take part in the march
The High Street was awash with red as supporters of the campaign, men and women alike, marched to end gender-based violence.
Supporters were led by Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall, as well as Tony Lawler and the Charleston Drum, on the march which finished in Dunn Square.
Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall with a remembrance wreath
The distinctive approach to the event aims to raise not only a smile but also awareness of sexual violence and encourage discussion over a subject which is often seen as taboo within society.
Men were encouraged to wear high heels to symbolise facing the experiences that women must tackle in modern culture. Wearing the colour red was an alternative for supporters.
One in three women worldwide report that they have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence. The campaign aims to create a stronger and safer society where this will not continue.
Provost Hall, who made a speech in Dunn Square about the importance of the occasion, said: “The 16 Days of Action campaign is hugely important as it brings the issue to the forefront of people’s thoughts.
“Those who joined me on the march are determined to eradicate gender-based violence from our society and it was fantastic to see the community come together to try and achieve this.
“We must all work to eliminate the risk of violence being a part of any relationship and events such as today help bring the issue into people’s minds.”
The event was organised in partnership between Renfrewshire Council, the Diversity and Equality Alliance in Renfrewshire (DEAR) Group, the West of Scotland Regional Equality Council (WSREC), Renfrewshire Rising, Engage Renfrewshire, the Environmental Training Team and West College Scotland.
Anyone suffering from domestic violence can get help via two national helplines, which are available 24/7 and are free to call from a landline.
Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 027 1234
Abused Men in Scotland Helpline – 0808 800 0024
Locally, Women and Children First can be contacted on 0300 300 0345
