Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP

Lothians MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville (SNP) today addressed an International Women’s Day Event hosted by Women for Women International in Princes Street Gardens, and used the opportunity to call for men and women to join together to confront the problem of domestic violence that still blights too many families in the city. 

 Arguing that the Scotland-wide figure of over 50,000 reported incidents every year are probably only the tip of the iceberg, she urged listeners to take inspiration from the suffrage movement of the 20^th century which achieved votes for women against all the odds and said that a change in attitudes towards domestic violence was also achievable – but only with a united effort.

 Ms Somerville told the audience:

 “At the dawn of the last century only an enlightened few would have predicted votes for all women in this country.  But they persisted, spoke out and campaigned and their resilience won through.  We must show the same resilience and determination that will bring about an elimination of domestic violence. 

 The same resilience and determination that is being shown by women throughout the world as they struggle against poverty, discrimination and the terrors of war.  And although to us the ultimate objectives of equality and peace may still seem distant, they are closer than before.  The prize is so great, we owe it to ourselves, each other, and our children to persist.” 

Published March 2010