Who we are

The VAW Prevention Network is a national violence against women prevention network for Scotland which is coordinated by Zero Tolerance Charitable Trust and funded by the Scottish Government.

We have over 130 members who are VAW prevention professionals and activists working through Scotland.

Our approach

The network and its members adopt a gender-based analysis in which all forms of violence against women are identified as a cause and consequence of broader gender inequality.

The network is founded in the belief that violence against women is not inevitable and that there is much we can do to overcome gender inequalities to:

• Reduce tolerance of violence against women
• Challenge and change the attitudes which enable it to happen
• Celebrate difference
• Promote relationships based on equality and respect

More about our gender-based analysis

Our aims

The network aims to contribute to preventing all forms of violence against women in Scotland by building capacity amongst our members.

Our aims are to:

•    collate, develop and share information, good practice and expertise on the prevention of men’s violence against women and children and promote communication and collaborative working amongst our members;

•    develop campaigns, resources and projects to prevent all forms of violence against women including domestic abuse, pornography, prostitution and other forms of commercial sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, and sexual violence including rape and trafficking;

•    influence and contribute to developing national policy on preventing violence against women.

Our Work

Our members are involved in many projects and initiatives across Scotland working with all age groups and in many different settings.  The network is a focal point for professionals doing this important work.

The network is coordinated by Zero Tolerance which employs a Prevention Network Officer supported by a part-time Prevention Network Assistant. Our planned activities from January 2010-March 2011 are set out in the action plan below.