A motion at a meeting of the Council welcomed the 16 Days of Activism and noted that Hamilton Town House will be lit up orange to signify support for a future free from violence against women and girls.

The motion highlighted important dates taking place during the 16 days.

It also said: “Rape Crisis Lanarkshire, will be marking the occasion of its’ 20th anniversary by holding what is thought to be Lanarkshire’s first ever ‘Reclaim the Night’ walk, setting off from Castle Street in Hamilton at 6pm. South Lanarkshire Council congratulates Rape Crisis Lanarkshire on this much needed initiative, wishes the organisation well on its 20th anniversary and looks forward to a day when such organisations are not needed.

“However, as we know, around the world, millions of women and girls suffer physical or sexual violence every day. In the UK, a woman is killed every three days by a partner or ex-partner. In the year 2021/22, 64,807 domestic abuse incidents were recorded by Police Scotland – 81% of these cases recorded a woman being abused by a man. Across Europe 95% of people trafficked for sexual exploitation are women and girls. It is because of shocking statistics such as these that South Lanarkshire Council continues to support initiatives such as 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and organisations like Rape Crisis Lanarkshire.”

The motion was proposed by Councillor Janine Calikes, seconded by Councillor Mary Donnelly and was approved unanimously.