OLDHAM Council is backing the White Ribbon campaign to end male violence against women.

It is marking White Ribbon Day on December 6 by launching a bid to become White Ribbon accredited.

A three-year accreditation plan will see the council drive social change, strengthen gender equality and end violence against women and girls in Oldham.

The accreditation programme ensures organisations take a strategic approach to ending male violence against women by engaging with men and boys, changing cultures and raising awareness.

Rebekah Sutcliffe, strategic director of communities and reform, said: “It’s not just about violence against women, it’s about ending abusive behaviour against anyone, by anyone.

“We will be recruiting partner organisations across the borough to stand with us to end all types of abuse whether it be physical, sexual, psychological or coercive behaviour.

“Becoming White Ribbon accredited shows our commitment to colleagues, residents and visitors of Oldham by pledging not to commit, condone or remain silent about violence in any form”.

White Ribbon UK was founded in 2005, although the global movement was formed by a group of pro-feminist men in Ontario in November 1991 as a response to the Ecole Polytechnique massacre in 1989 – the movement aim being to end male violence against women.

Its volunteer ambassador work sees it act as role models as it engages with other men and boys to call out abusive and sexist behaviour among their peers and promote a culture of equality and respect.