WIGAN borough has been recognised for taking wide ranging action against domestic violence.

The borough and its partners have been granted official ‘White Ribbon’ status for their proactive stance in tackling the issue

The borough has one of the highest levels of domestic violence in Greater Manchester with around 7,000 incidents reported to the police every year.

One in four women will experience domestic violence or abuse in their lives as will and one in six men.

The White Ribbon Campaign is an international movement of men taking a stand against violence against women.

Men who support the campaign wear a white ribbon as a symbol that they oppose violence against women.

The announcement of Wigan’s accreditation coincides with international White Ribbon Day (November 25).

Damian Munro works for the borough to support young people affected by domestic violence and promotes healthy relationships in schools.

He said: “I work with a lot of young people who need support to either end an unhealthy relationship or are themselves at risk of committing emotional or physical abuse.

“I help them recognise the early warning signs and help them raise their self-esteem so they feel empowered and can have a healthy relationship.”

Damian said cyber-bullying was continuing to grow as a major issue for young people suffering emotional abuse.

Det Insp Nathan Percival, who is responsible for tackling domestic abuse in the borough for partners Greater Manchester Police, said: “Wigan has one of the largest amounts of volume of domestic abuse across the Greater Manchester area.

“I want to call out to friends and families of those who are being abused to assist them and help them to get the support that they deserve.

“We are fortunate that we have one of the best domestic violence partnerships in Wigan Borough so all kinds of help is available to people who are being abused.”

To pledge your support for #BelieveImOnlyHuman visit www.wigan.gov.uk/Believe