Renfrewshire Women’s Association will be re-branding as Renfrewshire Rising, a group which aims to raise awareness and support victims of violence at home.

The network, based in Paisley’s Seedhill Road, sees women and supporting agencies join forces to raise awareness about gender-based violence including domestic abuse, rape, sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse.

Susan Campbell, a development worker for the organisation, said Renfrewshire Rising are aiming to seek new and innovative ways of providing information and learning experiences about gender based violence and to highlight the impact it has on individuals, families and the community.

They also work to ensure local women are involved in the planning, provision and monitoring of projects and services that provide support, protection and prevention activities for survivors.

Susan, who has been committed to working with RR since August 2013, said: “The group has been running for a number of years and it was made up of local women and also quite a lot of workers from different organisations such as NHS, Soroptomists, Star Project and Beechwood.

“The reason we wanted to re-brand was that we wanted to focus on being more of a group for local people, rather than it being a lot of workers so we decided to go grassroots.

“We’ve now changed the constitution of the group so that the only members are local people. You have to live in the area and have a strong interest in domestic abuse and gender-based violence.

“Now we’re open to the whole community and are encouraging men who want to join and become male role models for us.” In November 2013, RWA organised a successful gathering of local people to come together and mark the 16 days of action raising awareness of violence against women.

Around 55 people attended and took part in awareness raising workshops and activities, watched a powerful play by Beechwood Women’s and Arts Project, and heard about the work of RWA, now Renfrewshire Rising.

Now, as part of their exciting re-launch, the group are holding a Reclaim the Night Procession on November 25, setting off at 6pm from West College Scotland Reid Kerr.

They are hoping to involve local men within the area who want to stand with them in solidarity and champion the fight against violence.

Most of the funding for the group comes from local area committees in the Paisley and surrounding areas.

Group member Mags Gibson, 37, of Paisley, said: “Our logo is Renfrewshire Rising, one voice against gender-based violence.

“Although the group is aimed at helping women, men can be involved by raising awareness of domestic abuse and showing people that it’s unacceptable.

“I’ve been a member of the group since June this year and I’m very excited about the re-branding.

“The group has been a lifeline for me. Being in a group like this and seeing how it is going to change people’s lives and the whole of Renfrewshire is amazing. Domestic abuse should not be happening and we want to look at how to stop it.” “Now I want to give something back and help other women see that there is light at the end of the tunnel.” In 2013, 2276 residents in Renfrewshire were victims of domestic violence, a 44 per cent increase from ten years ago when 695 residents reported an incident of domestic violence.

Woman and Children 1st, Woman’s Aid, Diversity and Equality Alliance Renfrewshire, and Renfrewshire Rising have teamed up to mark the start of the 16 Days of Action to Eradicate Violence Against Women on November 25 until December 16.

Supported by Renfrewshire Council and local and national voluntary and community groups, the procession will start at West College Scotland at 6pm and progress through the streets of Paisley. The event will finish at Paisley Town Hall, where attendees will be invited in for an evening of entertainment.

Hot soup and sandwiches will be on hand, as well as the unveiling of the new re branded Renfrewshire Rising, previously Renfrewshire Woman’s Association, music and guest speakers.

Councillor Iain McMillan, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Social Work, Health and Wellbeing Policy Board, said: “It’s unacceptable that so many women in Renfrewshire should be subject to violence during their lives. Renfrewshire should be a safe place for women to live, work or visit. The aim of the Reclaim the Night march is to raise awareness of these issues and show our commitment to ending violence against women.” Reclaim the Night is a free event and there is no need to register. Parking is available at West College Scotland or at Renfrewshire Council’s HQ after 4.30pm.

For more information, please visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/16DaysofAction You can also visit www.facebook.com/RenfrewshireWomensAssociation or phone 07767 139 750 to get involved.