Glasgow schools to share video highlighting dangers of gender-based violence
A video highlighting the dangers of violence against women could be shared with all Glasgow secondary schools to help prevent unhealthy relationships and gender-based violence.
Alongside Glasgow Girls Club, a social good media agency and youth provider, the local authority announced a powerful campaign in November to raise awareness of the issue facing women and girls aged between 16 and 21 in the city.
It also highlighted important information about available support services through a new app and website - Sophie’s Stop which is a tool to help those who need it find a variety of support services and information relating to unhealthy relationships as well as violence against women and girls.
The council now wants to share the video with schools as a “suggested resource” with education services supporting the development and launch of the Girls Club App.
An update was provided at the scrutiny committee meeting on Wednesday.
A council officer said: “In terms of our commitment to raise awareness of misogyny and combating sexual harassment within our schools.
“Education has been working to support the Carter Centre development and the launch of the Girls Club App which have all now been done successfully.
“We are looking to now share that launch video with schools as a resource and a possible roadshow is being looked at for all of our secondary schools to explore how we can engage in that video and take these messages further.”
At the heart of the campaign, is the short film, ‘Where We Stop’ written by actor, writer, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland graduate and Glasgow Girls Club alumni, Molly Geddes.
The film tackles themes relating to Violence Against Women and Girls head-on, highlighting the real experiences of those affected by the issue, including the theme of coercive control and domestic abuse for young women.
READ MORE: Glasgow prisoners in Barlinnie helped to make universal credit applications
READ MORE: Glasgow Sauchiehall Street looks 'tired and bland' despite recent work, councillor warns
‘Where We Stop’ follows main character Sophie and her friends on their usual bus route, in their usual seats. It begins with them excitedly discussing Sophie’s upcoming date with Jack.
It then cuts to Sophie and Jack on the bus, presumably on their first date, with the pair awkwardly interacting but ultimately sharing a laugh together. The film takes the viewer on an intense, glitching timelapse of their relationship, gradually revealing that not everything is as it seems as Jack’s behaviour becomes increasingly coercive, controlling and abusive.
The final scene features a call-to-action signposting viewers to Sophie’s Stop, an app built in partnership with Glasgow Girls Club and Glasgow City Council – with guidance and information on available services.
The film is part of a wider campaign designed to inform as many young women as possible and transcend barriers to accessibility. This includes leveraging social media platforms, utilising community radio stations, billboards, posters, promotional merchandise, and engaging local champions.
Speaking previously about the launch of the app and video Molly said: “I'm incredibly grateful to have been part of this project.
“My main drive for creating this film was the lack of media around domestic abuse, that specifically centred young women.
“I hope that 'Where We Stop' can shed light on the issue of violence against women and girls and help people find support. This is a massive full circle moment for me, both personally and professionally, and to see the impact this process has already had on young women is magic.”
For more information see Media FAQ document or visit: https://sophiesstop.com/launch and to watch the full film visit: https://youtu.be/NoxPV6u--uA
Sophie’s Stop can also be downloaded onto your smartphone or tablet.