BURNLEY'S Council and football club have reaffirmed their continued commitment to the international White Ribbon campaign to mark the start of 16 days of action against domestic abuse and violence against women.

White Ribbon is 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.

To wear a white ribbon is to promise to never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.

Commitments made by the council in its White Ribbon action plan include drafting an action plan overseen by staff representatives from across the council, the development of a domestic violence and safeguarding policy for employees, and 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 Anwar joined representatives from Burnley Football Club to renew their pledge to support the campaign when they unfurled a White Ribbon flag at Turf Moor.

Cllr Shah Hussain, the local authority's community services, said: "The council is committed to taking a strong stance against all domestic violence, whoever the victim. We particularly call on all men and boys to understand that violence against women in whatever form is absolutely wrong and should never be tolerated.

“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.

"The council will continue to work with its partners in the borough to tackle this issue and provide help and support for victims of domestic violence and abuse.”