Equally Safe is the Scottish Government strategy for the prevention and eradication of violence against women and girls (VAWG).

The strategy has an overarching vision: 

“A strong and flourishing Scotland where all individuals are equally safe and respected and where women and girls live free from all forms of violence and abuse – and the attitudes that help perpetrate it”. 

What is the issue?

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is a critical issue affecting women, children, young people, and communities across Scotland today – the statistics tell us that this is an urgent and widespread challenge that needs collective action from all of us, across all sectors. Real, lasting change is needed within our institutions, systems, and services to create safer environments and better outcomes for all.  

What is needed? 

Building an understanding of gender inequality and violence against women is key to achieving the goals set out by the Equally Safe strategy. When leaders and workers are equipped with an understanding of the causes and dynamics of VAWG, they are better placed to respond to and support those affected. Enhancing awareness, knowledge, and practice across the Scottish public sector workforce is essential. Our workforces, our leaders and our institutions must be gender competent and trauma and VAWG-informed.  

Equally Safe in Practice (ESiP) is one of a number of initiatives that are key drivers of our national strategy.  ESiP offers public and third sector employers and workers with a toolkit and framework to support them to introduce or increase Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) training across all of their workforce levels and roles.   

It also supports employers and institutions to know what training they need, why it matters, and how they can contribute to a safer, more equitable Scotland.