Leeds trees wrapped in ribbons to highlight anti-women violence

Trees in Leeds will be wrapped in white ribbons later in a bid to encourage men to support a campaign to end violence against women.

The event is part of the White Ribbon campaign which asks men to take responsibility for cutting the level of anti-women violence.

In 2010, Leeds became the first English city to gain White Ribbon status for the way it tackled violence at home.

Men are being asked to show support by choosing a tree in the city to wrap.

'Highlighting violence'

Leeds City Council's domestic violence team is co-ordinating the city-wide project, which begins with a tree-wrapping event in Park Square at 12:30 GMT on Friday.

The event is aimed at encouraging men to pledge they will not "commit, condone or remain silent" about violence against women, the council said.

Councillor Peter Gruen, executive board member for community safety, said: "This campaign is all about highlighting that violence against women is unacceptable and encourages men to show their support."

The council said a number of other initiatives would be taking place across Leeds during the 16-day White Ribbon campaign.

Appeals were also being made to businesses, clubs and public sector organisations in Leeds to support the campaign, the council said.