North West Leicestershire District Council is supporting this year's White Ribbon campaign with its own 16 days of action starting from November 25.

The district council and its partners from the Safer North West Leicestershire Partnership will be working with schools within North West Leicestershire to raise awareness of the campaign which pledges to never commit, excuse or stay silent about violence against women.

On 1 and 8 December, officers from the Safer North West Leicestershire Partnership will deliver an 'Introduction to Domestic Abuse and the Role of Schools' webinar to inform headteachers, teachers and support workers of the signs to be aware of and help spread the key messages of the campaign.

Partners from the Safer North West Leicestershire Partnership, which includes North West Leicestershire District Council, Leicestershire County Council, Leicestershire Police, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, the National Probation Service, local housing associations and others, will also create videos showing their support towards the campaign and will be shared across the district council's social media channels.

Followers on social media will be invited to show their support virtually by sharing a photo of themselves lighting a candle on November 25 from 6pm using the hashtags #WhiteRibbonDay #MakeThePromiseNWL #NoExcuseForAbuseNWL.

Throughout the day and over the course of the 16 days action plan, the district council will use its social media pages to inform and educate followers using facts and figures about the movement.

Bev Smith, Chief Executive at North West Leicestershire District Council said: "The White Ribbon campaign is an important cause and we're actively working with schools and local organisations to make a difference to communities within North West Leicestershire to put an end to violence against women.

"Although we won't be able to show our support with a physical event this year due to Covid-19, we're positive that we can help to make an impact by spreading the key messages within our district through our partners and on social media.

"There is no excuse for domestic abuse and I would encourage everyone in North West Leicestershire to get involved - please help us by sharing your photos and messages on social media, and we'll do our bit by liking and retweeting them as and when they come in."

Research shows that statistically, women are mostly affected by domestic abuse and the district council acknowledges that whilst this campaign is aimed at support for women, men can also be targeted.

Further details about the campaign and how you can show your support is available at White Ribbon.