CASWA book fairies are back in campaign against gender-based violence
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The women's aid group for the far north has brought back its "book fairies" for a third year as part of its efforts to raise awareness of domestic violence.
Caithness and Sutherland Women's Aid (CASWA) is again taking part in 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an international campaign that runs from November 25 until December 10.
The charity provides support to women, children and young people in Caithness and Sutherland who have experienced domestic abuse, and it carries out local activism over this period. In addition to providing specialist support, members of the team say they are passionate about raising awareness of the organisation and domestic abuse.
CASWA's book fairies are distributing women-centred or feminist literature across the area during the 16 days. The first book drop of the campaign took place during the Fun Day and switch-on of the Christmas lights in Wick's Market Square.
Emma Fraser, deputy manager at the charity, explained: "Our book fairy project is our way of spreading a little bit of magic across our community by sharing books.
"Through this project, we've tried to take an innovative approach to raising awareness of the work that we do locally during what is an important time in our sector's annual calendar: 16 days.
"As a specialist charity, we're really keen to ensure people know we are here and to promote conversations and understanding of gender-based violence and abuse in our community.
"Our book fairy project focuses on selecting books that our team and social media community have enjoyed and recommended, are women-centred and/or have feminist underpinnings and which amplify the voices and experiences of women and contribute to promoting a better understanding of gender equality."
CASWA domestic abuse specialist Juliette Currums said: “At times of difficulty when people feel alone, solace can often be found in a good book. For the 16 days of action, it is crucial the books we select provide strong female characters as sources of inspiration and show women in diverse roles, not only those stereotypical of their gender.”
The project will see 16 books left in community settings across the two counties.
Emma added: "We'd really appreciate it if readers showed support for our charity by following us on Facebook or Instagram. We'll be doing daily updates of our book fairies’ journeys."
Alongside the book fairy project, CASWA has joined the Highland Violence Against Women Partnership (VAWP) in responding to this year's Scotland-wide theme for 16 days: Imagine a Scotland without gender-based violence.
The partnership comprises various statutory and voluntary organisations that work together to prevent all forms of violence against women, identify those affected and provide services and support to increase their safety and wellbeing.
The partnership also works together to challenge and hold perpetrators accountable for their behaviour.
In recognition of this year's 16 days theme, Myra Ross, training officer for the Highland VAWP, wrote a poem entitled Imagine.
Myra said: "The poem explores the many ways in which our lives would change in a world without gender-based violence.”
CASWA can be contacted by phone or email at 0345 408 0151 or info@caswa.org.uk (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) and its website is www.caswa.org.uk
Other contact details:
Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
Tel: 0800 027 1234 (24/7)
Web: https://www.sdafmh.org.uk
Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland (RASASH)
Text: 07451 288080
Tel: 03330 066909 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9.30am to 1pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1pm to 4.30pm)
Rape Crisis Scotland helpline: 08088 010302 (daily, 5pm-midnight)
