A CLYDEBANK MSP has said change will only happen when ‘social attitudes are challenged’ 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 Clydebank’s MSPs have highlighted that “every measure” must be taken to ensure women are protected from harm in the region.

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.”

Police Scotland recently announced it would be introducing a simple officer verification process to provide reassurance to any 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.

“We absolutely recognise our responsibility to introduce an additional means of verification