A campaign to end gender-based violence has launched in East Ayrshire.

The 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign calling for an end to violence against women.

The local campaign was launched at Kilmarnock FC's Rugby Park stadium.

Spearheaded by East Ayrshire’s Violence Against Women Partnership, a programme of events and activities are taking place across the area during the 16 days.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of and encourage people to sign the White Ribbon Scotland pledge, which aims to engage men to stand up to violence against women.

Highlights from the programme include a screening at Dean Castle visitor centre on Wednesday, December 6 of Hystayria - a drama based on real stories of Ayr’s barbaric witch trials.

East Ayrshire's annual Reclaim the Night Walk will also take place on Tuesday, December 5, meeting at Ayrshire College's Kilmarnock Campus from 5pm to march through the town centre and take a stand against gender-based violence.

Marion MacAulay, chair of the East Ayrshire Violence Against Women Partnership, said: “The past few years have seen increased incidences of violence against women and girls.

"The negative impact the pandemic had is now further impacted on by the cost of living crisis, which is disproportionately affecting women experiencing violence.

“This is why the 16 Days campaign continues to be so important. It brings people together to work towards eliminating gender-based violence.

"There are lots of events taking place during the 16 days, with both open events for anyone to show support and closed events for survivors.

"You can follow along on social media using #16DaysOfAction, #16DaysEA and #16DaysAyrshire."

Councillor Jim McMahon, East Ayrshire’s 'white ribbon champion', said: “Throughout the 16 Days of Action campaign we will be encouraging as many people as possible to support the White Ribbon Scotland pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about men’s violence against women in all its forms.

“The initiative makes a resounding call to men and boys to let them know that gender-based violence is very much a men’s issue, and that they have a vital role in addressing it, whether it be physical, controlling or coercive behaviours."