Community urged to support domestic abuse campaign

White Ribbon Day aims to raise awareness of domestic abuse and to support survivors

A white flag will be raised at a city’s town hall in support of domestic abuse survivors to mark White Ribbon Day.

Peterborough City Council is hosting the event ahead of campaign The 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Abuse, which begins on 25 November.

This year's theme is about encouraging men to play their part in tackling misogyny and reporting predatory behaviour to try to prevent women and girls being abused or harmed.

The event, from 10:00 GMT on Monday, will be attended by Peterborough's mayor Marco Cereste alongside representatives from Peterborough Women’s Aid, Peterborough Rape Crisis and Living Keys.

Mr Cereste said: "I would encourage everyone to come along to the ceremony, but if you can't attend, then please support this worthwhile campaign.

"Domestic abuse affects one in four women and one in six men at some point in their lives and this must not be tolerated.

"Please wear your white ribbon throughout this period to show that you believe domestic abuse is wrong, that no-one should ever remain silent about it."

Councillor John Howard, White Ribbon ambassador for Peterborough City Council, said: "We raise the White Ribbon Flag as a visual reminder that domestic abuse must not be tolerated and of our commitment to supporting those who have survived any kinds of violent abuse against them in our city."

If you are affected by the issues raised in this article, help and support can be found at BBC Action Line.