RESIDENTS have been urged to wear a white ribbon as part of a bid to stand up against male violence towards women.

Leigh Library is one of a few Wigan Council sites that has had a white tree on display as part of the White Ribbon campaign.

There are around 400 incidents of domestic abuse in the borough every month.

White Ribbon Day takes place today, Sunday, which coincides with the official "International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women".

It is being following up by 16 days of action in which men are asked to wear a white ribbon and make a pledge.

Last year a multi-agency hub was set up to tackle domestic abuse and get to the route cause of cases.

It includes police, independent domestic abuse advisors, Citizens Advice workers, volunteers and victim support officers.

Cllr Paula Wakefield, lead member for equalities at the council, said: "We are leading the way in our approach to domestic abuse and the provision of support for the victims and families but we know more must be done.

“If we are to make a real difference and prevent more instances of domestic abuse, we must stand together.

“This is why the White Ribbon campaign is so important.

"By wearing the ribbon, making a pledge and standing together, we are making a statement that domestic abuse is never ok, that help is here when you need it and that you do not have to face the issue alone.”

"White Ribbon" status was also secured last year by the local authority as part of its #BelieveImOnlyHuman campaign.

Detective Inspector Nathan Percival, who leads on tackling domestic abuse in Wigan borough for Greater Manchester Police, said: “The borough has one of the largest amounts of volume of domestic abuse across the Greater Manchester area, with over 7,000 incidents a year.

“We all have a responsibility to keep people safe and I want to call out to friends, families, employers and the general community to trust their instincts if they think there is a problem, report domestic abuse and help victims to get the support they deserve.

“We are fortunate that we have one of the best domestic abuse partnerships in Wigan borough, help is available and reporting can reduce the number of incidents and ultimately save lives.”

For more information or to report concerns of abuse visit wigan.gov.uk/togetheragainstabuse.