Cathedral orange for campaign against gender based violence

Cathedral glowed orange on 25 November in support of ORSAS campaign against gender based violence

St Magnus Cathedral was lit up orange on 25 November to mark UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, as part of a local campaign being run by Orkney Rape and Sexual Assault Service (ORSAS) to raise awareness of the issue of gender-based violence.

Leader of Orkney Islands Council and Chair of the Orkney Partnership, Councillor James Stockan, said: “Time and again we hear people say Orkney is a safe place. And this is true for many of us.

“But the fact remains that, for too many in our community, domestic violence and gender-based aggression and assault is a blight on their lives. And we know lockdown and Covid restrictions have increased vulnerability and made it more difficult for victims to escape abuse and access support services.

“That is why we are supporting this campaign by ORSAS and lighting up the Cathedral.

“We would reiterate to anyone with concerns about the safety of a child or adult in our community that you can contact the Council’s social work team.”

You can follow the ORSAS campaign on Twitter at @OrkneyRSAS or via the national twitter hashtag #PeedieBirds and on the ORSAS Facebook page. 

ORSAS offers free and confidential information and support for anyone (age 13 and over) in Orkney affected by any form of sexual violence. To find out more visit the ORSAS website.

Women’s Aid Orkney provide free and confidential support to women and children affected by domestic abuse. Phone: 01856 877900 and email: info[at]womensaidorkney.org.uk.