Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman is spearheading the Scottish Governments latest campaign to curb violence against women.
London, Dec 20 : Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman is spearheading the Scottish Government's latest campaign to curb violence against women.
The Oscar-winning actress, who is a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Fund for Women, says that ending domestic abuse is among her top priorities.
The new advertisements, launched in Edinburgh by Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell, are focused on the effect of domestic violence on children.
Kidman said that violence against females of any age is intolerable.
"Violence against women and girls is a crime that cannot be tolerated," the Scotsman quoted her as saying.
She also stressed the need for ridding women of their fears so that they do not avoid legal remedies available to them.
"I know that many women who have been subjected to violence are afraid to denounce their abusers," she said.
"But if all of us send the strong message that violence against women is unacceptable and against the law, we can help women in this situation feel they can more safely report the crime and access services for survivors," she added.
The latest anti-violence television, radio and billboard advertisements were unveiled by Maxwell at the Hamleys toy department in Jenners on Princes Street.
"We are approaching the Christmas holidays - a time traditionally when children look forward to receiving presents, relaxing, and having fun. But this is also a time when many families are affected by domestic abuse and calls to the helpline and police increase," he said.
"Violence against women and domestic abuse continue to devastate the lives of too many women and young people in Scotland. Last Christmas hundreds of women contacted the domestic abuse helpline or contacted Women's Aid in response to the campaign," he added.
He was quite hopeful that the campaign would motivate many women to stand up against such violence, and eventually find relief from it.
"I hope many women will hear or see this year's advertisements and take the first steps to seek help to have a life free from fear, free from the blight of domestic abuse," he said.
"The Scottish Government's message is clear - there is no excuse for domestic abuse," he added.
Heather Coady, a children's policy worker at Scottish Women's Aid was also present at the launch. She spoke about the possible impact of violence in the home on youngsters.
"Research shows that one-in- five women in Scotland will experience domestic abuse. A large number of children will witness the abuse of their mothers, which will have a significant impact on them," she said.
She further said that domestic violence was a huge loss on the family of the victim, especially the children.
"Domestic abuse can mean huge losses for children and young people. They often have to move house, leave behind family, friends, pets and possessions and are more likely to experience homelessness, poverty and social exclusion," she said.
"They often feel very frightened, isolated, angry and confused, and the combination of these factors can have a detrimental impact on their educational attainment and their physical and mental health," she added.
However, she said the right kind of support could have a positive impact on the victims' lives.
"With the right support, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse can survive and go on to build positive lives. We will be working with the Scottish Government to tackle domestic abuse in the coming year in order to build on the excellent work that has been done to date," she said.
ANI
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