The challenges faced by women in Scotland to live in safe places and communities and to achieve positive mental health are among the factors highlighted by six briefings published by Public Health Scotland (PHS).
These examine the relationship between violence against women and girls (VAWG) and the nation’s public health priorities.
The briefings, published in March, also take into account how the impact of experiencing violence as children can affect adulthood; the complex relationship with alcohol and drugs; the weaker economic position of women in Scotland compared with men; and the barriers to eating well, having a healthy weight and being physically active.
Claire Sweeney, PHS director for place and wellbeing, said: ‘To achieve Scotland’s public health priorities, we must address violence against women and girls.
‘By recognising this as a public health issue, we can strengthen local and national leadership and tackle the inequality of outcomes experienced by women and children within our communities.’She added: ‘It is critical for all of us across the public sector, community planning partners and third sector organisations to consider the application of the recommendations outlined in the briefings.’
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