We all have a right to be equally safe; to live, learn and work in communities that condemn and reject all forms of gender-based violence (GBV).
If you are in danger and need immediate help, you can:
- call 999 and ask to speak to the Police
- if you are are unable to speak to the 999 call responder, listen and respond by making a noise or tapping. If you are using a mobile phone, you can also silently press 55 when prompted to and this will flag that you need help
- if you are on campus, you can seek assistance from the Reception Desk which is typically located near the entrance or in the middle of each main campus building
Ayrshire College position statement:
Ayrshire College is fully committed to promoting gender equality and as such, endorses a position that recognises GBV is an equality issue. This is a position borne from our adoption of the Scottish Government’s Equally Safe strategy. Here, GBV is defined as:
“…a function of gender inequality, and an abuse of male power and privilege. It takes the form of actions that result in physical, sexual and psychological harm or suffering to women and children, or affront to their human dignity, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life.'
We acknowledge that this type of violence can also be applied to:
- the abuse of men
- same gender-abuse
- homophobia, biphobia and transphobia
- trans and non-binary people; female perpetration of abuse
- be affected by race, which in some cases may compound the vulnerability
Actions defined as GBV are as follows:
- domestic abuse (including coercive control)
- stalking
- harassment or any unwanted conduct which has the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of an individual, or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them, related to their gender, sexual orientation or gender identity
- rape and sexual assault
- child and childhood sexual abuse
- commercial sexual exploitation, including prostitution, pornography and trafficking
- female genital mutilation
- forced and child marriages
- abuse by other family members, so-called ‘honour-based’ and dowry-related violence crimes
- threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life
At Ayrshire College, we have access to a range of external support services such Women's Aid, Star Centre and Break the Silence. We can help signpost you to these supports when you feel ready, able, and safe.