LANCASHIRE has become the first county to be accredited for its commitment to ending violence against women and girls.

Anti-domestic violence charity White Ribbon Campaign UK accredited ll public sector organisations across the county as part of the drive to educate and raise awareness of violence against women, and to engage men in the debate around the issue.

The accreditation was presented to Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw at a celebration attended by dignitaries from across the county.

Mr Grunshaw said: “Supporting vulnerable people and victims is a key priority in my Police and Crime plan so I am delighted to see Lancashire become the first White Ribbon County.

“Violence against women and girls is unacceptable and shockingly over 90 per cent of domestic abuse is witnessed by children. This has to stop and anything we can do to tackle the issue and get people talking about it has to be a good thing.”

Between April 2016 and March 2017, there were 25,383 domestic abuse incidents and 10,629 domestic abuse crimes reported to the police in Lancashire.

Chief Constable Andy Rhodes said: “It is important that victims do not suffer in silence and I am proud that, as a county, we have taken a stance to say that we will do everything we can to provide support and tackle the issue.

The White Ribbon Campaign is the largest global effort of men working to end male violence against women." Supporters of the campaign are asked to pledge never to commit, condone, or remain silent about men’s violence against women in all its forms.

Chris Green, from the campaign, said: “Involving the majority of men in speaking out and challenging sexual harassment and inappropriate language and behaviour is how we change the culture. To have co-ordinated activity across the whole county is the perfect way to build a campaign to end the current epidemic of violence which results in 6 kids in every class being a witness of violence.”

County Cllr Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: “It’s important we all work together to put an end to violence against women and this campaign is vitally important.”

People can pledge their support for the campaign online at www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk.