A CAMPAIGN to end violence against women in the north of Glasgow has been launched in local bookies.

A total of 15 shops across Maryhill and Springburn have signed up for the White Ribbon Campaign to help end gender based violence.

MSP Bob Doris has spearheaded the initiative which will ask men who enter their stores to sign theWhite Ribbon Scotland pledge to ‘never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women in all its forms’ in participating William Hill and Ladbrokes Coral shops.

Mr Doris decided to develop the campaign across his constituency after being inspired by local initiatives to end gender based violence.

He commented: “Last year during a debate in the Scottish Parliament on gender based violence I pledged to do more than simply make a speech to praise the work of others in tackling this hugely important issue. Having been inspired by both the Glasgow North West Women’s Centre and Glasgow Kelvin College in my constituency, I wanted to do my bit. “This campaign which will run across 15 stores is my response to this pledge. It is crucial that all men, the majority of whom would never dream of perpetrating gender based violence, take a vocal stand against those who do. In doing so, we don’t just reinforce the unacceptable nature of violence against women and girls, but we hopefully also create male role models to inspire others.

“As a means of developing a valuable conversation about gender violence across the constituency, I am pleased that William Hill and Ladbrokes staff across the constituency have at least one trained White Ribbon ambassador in-store who will spark discussion with customers and colleagues alike; encouraging them to sign the White Ribbon pledge.”