EAST Ayrshire has launched its 16 Days of Action campaign early in Cumnock.

The early launch took place at Netherthird Community Centre and kicked off a series of events in East Ayrshire to raise awareness of gender-based violence.

These events will run from November 25 until December 10.

Led by East Ayrshire’s Violence Against Women Partnership, the campaign includes a programme of informative and inclusive events backed by partner agencies.

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.

"By making this pledge, you will be showing others that it's okay to speak out against violence against women.

"The more we are willing to do this, the more we can help to change harmful attitudes that condone it."

“This is why the 16 Days campaign continues to be so important. It brings people together to work towards eliminating gender-based violence and encourages us all to take action to support women and girls in our communities."

A key theme of the campaign will be encouraging people to sign the White Ribbon Scotland pledge, promising to never commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women in all its forms.

Scotrail will support this initiative by hosting a White Ribbon pledge signing event at Kilmarnock train station on Monday, November 25, from 12pm to 6pm, and it can also be signed online.

Other notable events include a Reclaim the Night march, organised by the STAR Centre on the evening of Tuesday, November 26.

This march, which starts at 5.30pm from Tesco Extra car park on West Shaw Street, invites everyone to stand against gender-based violence.

East Ayrshire Council will also illuminate the Kilmarnock viaduct in orange on November 25 to highlight the issue of violence against women and girls.