Advice leaflets have been distributed in Barrhead as part of a campaign to end violence against women.

Councillor Betty Cunningham and her colleague East Renfrewshire Provost Mary Montague took to Main Street to hand out the literature in support of the annual international “16 days of Activism against Violence against Women”.

The leaflets listed contact details of where women can access confidential information, support and refuge in circumstances of domestic abuse or other forms of violence against women and girls.

Barrhead News:

Cllr Cunningham told the Barrhead News: “Christmas is meant to be a wonderful time of the year, but we know that for women and children experiencing domestic abuse it is far from this and can be an upsetting and isolating time.

“I hope that our leaflet can help them”.

Provost Montague added: “Most people are aware of 999 for emergency telephone calls and an East Renfrewshire Council report revealed that in 2021-22 around 600 incidents of domestic abuse in East Renfrewshire were recorded by police.

“Scotland-wide about 81% of such incidents had a female victim and a suspected male perpetrator.

“Abuse can include physical, psychological, emotional, financial, sexual abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour.

“Abuse against anyone – male or female is unacceptable – and we hope that those affected reach out for the support that is available.”