Poster Campaign Targets West Lothian Home Violence

A NEW campaign aimed at stamping out domestic violence caused by alcohol has been launched in West Lothian.

The poster campaign urges local women affected by violent behaviour to take advantage of the help and support available.

And it also advertises a free helpline for women, which is open 24/7.

The poster campaign is being launched by the West Lothian Community Safety Partnership to mark International Women’s Day on March 8. Featuring the tagline “Violence is violence – drink is never an excuse”, the poster is funded by the Scottish Government as part of the West Lothian Safer Streets programme.

Copies will be distributed widely throughout the county and displayed in health centres, council buildings and local shops.

Councillor Isabel Hutton, the council’s social policy leader, said: “There is no excuse for rape, sexual abuse, domestic abuse or any other form of violence. West Lothian was one of the first areas in Scotland to establish an integrated Domestic Abuse Services team to support women and children who are affected by abuse.”

Christine Fraser, West Lothian Council’s violence against women development officer, added: “It is vital that women affected by violence seek help and support.

“Many people blame Scotland’s drinking culture for this violence, but alcohol does not cause violence. Violence is violence. Alcohol misuse is no excuse.”