A strategy to tackle violence against women in Edinburgh who, a report claimed, were exposed to a high level of harassment on its streets, is set to be launched within the next few months.

International Women's Day in March next year has been earmarked by the capital's Women's Safety Working Group for the initiative.

Five reports have been published in the past 18 months exploring different aspects of violence towards Scottish women.

One survey, which provided a comprehensive review of women's feelings of safety and their experiences of violence, said women on Edinburgh streets were ''flashed at, followed, and most commonly, verbally abused.''

The survey by the Women's Safety Working Group, a multi-agency body which is part of the Edinburgh Community Safety Partnership, said many women had experienced physical assault and ''sexual coercion'' from strangers.

Its results also indicated women felt particularly vulnerable when waiting for public transport, using multi-storey car parks and in poorly-lit streets.

In a report to go before Edinburgh councillors later this week, it is stated that growing recognition of violence against women has in part been due to the success of such campaigns as Zero Tolerance as well as organisations such as Women's Aid and Rape Crisis.

Just days ago, the National Zero Tolerance Charitable Trust launched a campaign aimed at young people which resulted from research showing that half of young Scots males, and one in three young Scots females, believe there are cases where it is acceptable to hit a woman or force her to have sex.

City officials believe that Edinburgh is in a strong position to develop a comprehensive multi-agency strategy to tackle violence against women and to combat racial harassment.