The Community Safety Partnership recognises that the physical, emotional and psychological effects of gender based violence can be profound and long lasting for victims, their children, other family members and friends.

The South Lanarkshire Partnership on Gender Based Violence provides a strategic role in encouraging statutory and voluntary agencies to work together in tackling all forms of gender based violence. Gender Based Violence includes a variety of abusive behaviours such as rape and sexual assault, 'honour' crimes, prostitution, human trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation, and domestic abuse.

The vast majority of victims are women and children, however, it is also recognised that men can also be victims and that abuse can happen in same sex relationships.

The South Lanarkshire Partnership on Gender Based Violence recognises the need to provide local support through 'raising awareness' in how we can help in the prevention of gender based violence.  This in the main is carried out through the distribution of materials publicising the services available for those affected by all forms of gender based violence.

The group is led by the council's Social Work Resources with representatives from the following agencies:

• North Lanarkshire Violence Against Women Working Group;
• Women's Aid;
• NHS Lanarkshire;
• Police Scotland;
• Lanarkshire Rape Crisis;
• Victim Support;
• Social Work Resources, South Lanarkshire Council;
• Education Resources, South Lanarkshire Council; and
• Housing and Technical Resources, South Lanarkshire Council.