Men must speak up and take a lead in challenging other men in efforts to eradicate violence against women and girls, MSPs have agreed.

In a debate on male violence towards females during the 16 Days of Activism campaign, MSPs highlighted the positive role men can play in challenging misogyny and being role models for boys.

The debate came a day after the latest figures on domestic violence were released which showed there were almost 65,000 incidents in the last year.

READ MORE:Glasgow has 'third highest rate of domestic abuse in Scotland'

The official statistics showed Glasgow had the third highest rate of domestic abuse in Scotland.

Christina McKelvie, Scottish Government minister for equalities, brought the debate to Holyrood.

She said: “Men’s silence can feel unsupportive.

“It’s vital that men speak out and lead by example to their friends and families.

“Men must take the lead in this challenge even if it is uncomfortable. Because that discomfort is less challenging than being a victim of violence.”

READ MORE 'Significant drop in number of murders in last 10 years in Glasgow', according to new figures

The motion by McKelvie stated: “The eradication of violence against women and girls cannot be achieved without men recognising the vital role they must play on a daily basis in tackling deep-rooted sexism and misogyny that is inherent in the perpetrating of such violence.”

MSPs of all parties backed the call for men to play a more active role in tackling violence against women.

Pam Gosal, Conservative MSP, said: “The elimination of violence against women and girls is not achievable unless men recognise the role they have to play."

She raised the domestic abuse statistics for 2021-22, adding: "It was sad to see so little has changed." 

On the 1% reduction in recorded incidents, she said it was "a tiny difference", adding: "It shows how little of a difference has been made."

Pauline McNeill, Glasgow Labour MSP, led in the debate for her party.

She said: “Men have a role in changing the horrendous picture of violence towards women and girls.”

She raised the role of social media and “gender-based cyber harassment” and what she termed “rape culture” in schools.

She added: “Boys need to be taught not to put pressure on girls need to be empowered to say no.

McNeill said the “sending of unsolicited messages and images is being normalized", adding: "Most men don’t hold violent or misogynistic views against women but we need more men to speak up. Women and girls in Scotland can’t face this alone.”

Pam Duncan-Glancy, Labour Glasgow MSP, said: "The burden of violence has been on women's shoulders for far too long. Men must do better."

She called for "rape myths" where women's behaviour or choice of clothing is believed to be a factor in a crime being committed against them, to be challenged.

Duncan-Glancy also said the Universal Credit benefit system needs to be reformed, stating lack of independent income "can make it difficult for women to leave an abusive partner".

Rona Mackay, SNP MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden, said: “Men must call it out.  Because it violates women, diminishes society and demeans men.”

Male MSPs including Glasgow SNP MSPs Bill Kidd and James Dornan took part in the debate and backed the calls for men to stand up to misogyny among friends and family.

Dornan said: “We men must accept for far too long we have been the problem and we need to be part of the solution.”