A LOCAL authority has been White Ribbon accredited for its continued commitment to ending male violence against women.

The symbol is part of a global campaign that encourages people, and especially men and boys, to take action and change the behaviour and culture that leads to abuse and violence individually and collectively.

It has been awarded to Burnley Council in recognition of its White Ribbon action plan.

This includes the development of a domestic violence and safeguarding policy for employees, appointing volunteer ambassadors (including the council leader Cllr Afrasiab Anwar) to carry the message out to more men, and raising awareness within the local community.

Cllr Bea Foster, the council’s executive member for community services, said: “The recent murder of Sarah Everard has brought into sharp focus the shocking prevalence of male violence against women across our country.

“Burnley Council is proud to take a stance against all domestic violence, whoever the victim, and in leading the call for men and boys to understand that violence against women in whatever form is absolutely wrong.

“We have to work together to send out a message of respect and tolerance for all and bring an end to harassment and violence in our society.”