COMMUNITY figures have said there is “no room for complacency” in the efforts to end violence against women.

The murder of 33-year-old Sarah Everard sparked a larger conversation on ending abuse and attacks by men of all ages and in all parts of society.

Wayne Couzens - who was a serving Met Police officer - was given a whole-life term last month for the kidnap, rape and murder of Ms Everard.

A new campaign called “Don’t Be That Guy”, which aims to tackle sexual violence through “frank conversations” about male behaviour, has been launched by Police Scotland.

And now West Dunbartonshire’s MSPs have highlighted that “every measure” must be taken to ensure women are protected from harm in the region.

Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie added: “It is important to point out that women should never be blamed or be made to feel at fault for being attacked or abused. During lockdown, domestic abuse cases increased as women were unable to leave their homes.

“It was welcome that West Dunbartonshire Council increased the support that they were able to provide to domestic abuse victims during the pandemic.

“Far more can and must be done to ensure that women feel safe both in their own homes and when out and about. This is an issue that I care greatly about and I will continue to fight for better support for victims and appropriate punishments for abusers and attackers.”

Marie McNair, MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie, said change will only happen when attitudes and behaviours towards women are challenged.

She added: “To improve women’s safety in West Dunbartonshire over the long term, we need to tackle the root cause of violence against women – gender inequality. This is something the Scottish Government recognised in the Equally Safe Strategy, and now with the public focus on gender-based violence there is an opportunity to drive home that message in our local communities.

“We need to promote gender equality in our workplaces. We need to shout about policies that improve women’s lives at home. We need to elevate women’s voices in our communities.

“It’s a long-term strategy, but it is the only one that can prevent violence against women. Change will only happen when we all challenge the social attitudes that lead some to believe that women are not worthy of the same respect and protections as men.”

West Scotland MSP Pam Gosal added: “There is no room for complacency and we must ensure that every measure is taken to avoid anything similar occurring in West Dunbartonshire. No woman should not feel safe when walking in our communities.

“It is also concerning to see the current rates of high rates of domestic abuse in West Dunbartonshire.

“The introduction of a no home for abuse scheme in West Dunbartonshire is a very welcome step in the right direction to help making women’s safety the top priority.

“Schemes like “Ask for Angela” will help increase women’s safety in a wide range of situations and venues.”

Police Scotland recently announced it would be introducing a simple officer verification process to provide reassurance to a member of the public who may be concerned about whether or not they are being spoken to by a genuine police officer working alone.

On duty officers operating on their own will now proactively offer to carry out a verification check for anyone they come across who appears to be concerned for their safety. A member of the public can also request that a verification check be done.

Deputy Chief Constable Will Kerr said: “The appalling circumstances of Sarah Everard’s murder have deeply affected people and many are now understandably concerned about verifying an officer’s identity. Police Officers will, of course, continue to approach any member of the public who appears distressed or vulnerable, to offer support and assistance.

“However, although it is rare for a lone police officer to have to speak to a member of the public in Scotland, we absolutely recognise our responsibility to introduce an additional means of verification to provide further reassurance to anyone, in particular women who may feel vulnerable, and who might be concerned if they find themselves in this situation.”