Gender-based violence is a cross-cutting issue which straddles a number of policy agendas across the city. The action plan reflects the value of strategic developments in the city being informed by an awareness of the prevalence and impact of gender-based violence and what can be done to protect women and children from exposure to such violence.
There is a growing body of evidence that links the issue of gender-based violence to a range of other social issues, such as homelessness, addictions, community safety, physical and mental health and the criminal justice system. Such evidence requires that those involved in planning the development and delivery of services take into account how experiences of gender-based violence can result in women and children’s need for specific services (e.g. homelessness and health services) as well as how experiences of gender-based violence can directly or indirectly limit access to services such as education, health and training.
In addition to these service issues, experiences of gender-based violence can also prevent participation in communities, and affect the learning and employment opportunities of women and children. Gender-based violence can also result in poverty for women and children, creating an additional barrier to services and engagement in social and economic opportunities.
Consequently, gender-based violence is a major obstacle hindering public agencies’ attainment of key social justice objectives.
Many women and children who experience gender-based violence also face multiple discriminations due to a range of issues including poverty, ethnicity, age, language, disability and sexuality and limited literacy skills. The plan reflects the fact that women and children who experience multiple discriminations are more vulnerable to gender-based violence while facing additional barriers to accessing services.
This action plan therefore both complements and brings added value to a range of UK, national and local policy agendas and services which seek to meet the Scottish Executive’s Social Justice Targets including:
The potential for forthcoming Community Planning arrangements and Community Health and Social Care Partnerships to facilitate improved responses to gender-based violence is also reflected in the plan.
Please click here for current planning arrangements in Glasgow (this is a Microsoft Powerpoint Document).
FAQ section coming soon
