News and views
Test of National Emergency Alerts System
The Scottish Government is taking part in a trial of a new UK government Emergency Alert System. On Sunday, 23rd April at 3pm there will be a national test of the UK emergency alerts service.
Emergency alerts will be used to let the public know about emergency situations, such as severe weather warnings. They will work like a radio broadcast. In an emergency, every compatible mobile phone or tablet in a range of a mast will receive the alert.
It is very important to be aware that the Emergency Alerts will sound even on devices set to silent.
For women living with domestic abuse having access to a hidden, secret phone can be a lifeline. This alert may reveal a secondary phone used for safety purposes.
International Women’s Day 2023
Today, on International Women’s Day, it’s good to learn that more boys and men are standing up and calling time on misogyny. 79% of teenage girls say sexual assault is common in their friendship group (Source: OFSTED). For teenage girls, escaping online harassment, revenge porn, and other forms of abuse is impossible. Misogyny is everywhere, no more so than in the manosphere, that corner of the internet where men blame all their woes on women. Oceans of this online women-hating stuff inevitably wash up on the shores of everyday life. But there are signs of pushback. Boys and men are reacting against such hateful and destructive attitudes as never before.
Border Women’s Aid becomes a member of the YouthBorders Network!
We are delighted at the news that our application for Full Membership of both YouthBorders and Youth Scotland has been approved. YouthBorders is the network of voluntary and community-based youth organisations in the Scottish Borders, supporting and promoting good quality youth work. Joining the network gives Border Women’s Aid instant access to peer support, networking events and opportunities, high quality training, and membership support services.
Police Scotland launches new domestic abuse campaign
A new campaign, launched today, calls on men to reflect, take action and stop domestic abuse before it starts.
‘Is That Me?’ Police Scotland’s latest domestic abuse campaign targets young men, aged 18 – 25 years, and highlights behaviours that in new relationships are abusive and might be indicative of future, escalating abuse.
Launching the new campaign Assistant Chief Constable, Bex Smith, Police Scotland said: “Stopping your new partner seeing friends, checking their phone, demeaning them, is neither caring nor romantic. These are controlling, abusive behaviours.
Making a difference
Earlston High School’s Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) has raised a £3,000 grant which it is giving to Border Women’s Aid. This money will make a huge difference to BWA.
Amazing to win this sum at any time but especially during the #16Days campaign to raise our profile amongst younger women. It’s great to see young people taking an active interest in tackling violence against women and girls.
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