Staggies lend weight to domestic abuse campaign
ROSS County FC and rivals Inverness Caley Thistle will be coming together to show their support for a national domestic abuse campaign when they play each other in the first game of the new year.
The two premier league teams will join Northern Constabulary and Ross-shire Women’s Aid in the White Ribbon campaign to bring the issues of domestic abuse into focus during the festive period.
The Staggies will meet Caley Thistle at Dingwall’s Victoria Park on January 2.
Area Commander for Ross and Cromarty, Chief Inspector Ross Mackillop, said: "Historically, the festive season is when we see an increase in reports of domestic abuse. We are very grateful for the support from both Ross County and Inverness Caledonian Thistle football clubs to help raise awareness of this most serious of issues which has a devastating effect on families across the Highlands.
"Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure in their home. Violence of any kind against women must not be tolerated and we can all play our part in tackling it."
Ross County manager Derek Adams said: "This serious issue needs continuing support and we at Ross County fully support the White Ribbon Scotland campaign which encourages men to take a stand to end violence against women by taking a pledge at the campaign website. We also support the excellent work being done by Ross-shire Women’s Aid in this regard, well supported by Northern Constabulary which goes a long way to help highlight the problem.
"I would encourage all men who abhor violence against women to visit the website and show their support to help end this type of crime."
Heather Williams, manager of Ross-shire Women’s Aid said: "Domestic abuse blights the lives of too many women, children and young people all year round. We all know someone who is or has been affected by this and we can all play our part in stopping it.
"Most people do not abuse their partners but those who do need to know that we will not tolerate what they do. By joining together and not ignoring the issue we can stop domestic abuse. Everyone can play their part by not condoning it or remaining silent when we see it so I would like to reiterate the thanks to both football clubs for their support."
She continued: "Help is available to those experiencing abuse, it is not something which just happens and it is not something that you have to experience in silence. The police, Women’s Aid and all other agencies can help you and will understand. Family and friends can help by asking the simple question ‘are you ok’ and being ready to listen. Together we can all play our part and end domestic abuse."
Police encourage anyone who has been a victim of domestic abuse or has information relating to a victim of this crime to report it to their nearest Police Station or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
