WOMEN'S AID in Clackmannanshire is celebrating 40 years by taking part in 16 Days of Action against domestic abuse.

The organisation has rescheduled its AGM to tie in with the campaign which calls for an end to violence against women and children.

The meeting will take place on December 8 in the Station Hotel, Alloa, from 12.30pm until 3pm.

All interested parties are invited and a light buffet lunch will be provided.

An exhibition of women's services throughout the years was previously on display in the Speirs Centre and will be available to view at the AGM.

A spokeswoman from the organisation said: “We welcome any event such as the 16 Days of Action campaign which highlights the work being done in Clackmannanshire on the issues of violence against women.

"The more people talk about the issues and are aware of the help available to them the less people will have to suffer in silence.

"The local schools are also involved in awareness raising at this time which helps to spread the message to the next generation that domestic abuse is never acceptable.”

On the same day a conference for young people is to take place at Alloa Town Hall. The event will focus on stalking and explore the link with domestic abuse, on line safety, bullying and identity theft.

Police in Forth Valley had 3,666 incidents of domestic abuse reported to them during 2015/16.

Chief inspector Drew Sinclair, Police Scotland's area commander for the Wee County, said: "Officers in Clackmannanshire deal with domestic abuse on a daily basis and are alive to the impact this type of abuse has on victims and children.

"The 16 Days of Action campaign allows us to work with our partners on local initiatives and key events in a focused period from November 25 to December 10 to raise awareness and support the drive to end violence against women and children."

Events marking the campaign kicked off with a meet the author event featuring Karen Campbell in the Speirs Centre on November 25.

Karen discussed her books including Rise which tackles the issue of domestic abuse.

A special planting of white Crocus bulbs took place at Forth Valley College in Alloa to mark the start of the programme.

The bulbs were planted in the shape of the White Ribbon Campaign symbol, in which men pledge never to condone or stand by where violence against women is happening.

Council leader Bobby McGill said: “The planting of these Crocuses will be an annual reminder to us all that women in our communities are suffering the terrible effects of violence or abuse, and we all have a duty to work together to eliminate it.

"The 16 days events are a chance for us to learn more about these issues, and I’d encourage everyone to find out more about the events happening in the local area.”

Forth Valley College's Alloa campus played host to a human trafficking awareness session on Tuesday, November 29.

The workshop informed people what to look out for, what can be reported and who to raise concerns with.