White Ribbon Campaign

Dozens of St Helens men have vowed never to commit, condone or remain silent about men's violence against women.

They showed their support at a special event in the town centre organised by the White Ribbon campaign - the UK branch of a global campaign to ensure men take more responsibility for reducing the level of violence against women.

The 25 November was designated as the International Day Against Violence Against Women in 1981. In 1999 the United Nations General Assembly designated the date as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Safer Communities and Youth, Councillor Sue Murphy said: "Along with our community safety partners, we fully support the aims of the White Ribbon Campaign. We continue to work to identify those who are victims of male violence and strive to ensure we hold perpetrators of violence to account for their actions.

"It was great to see so many local people taking a stand against violence against women."

Local young people also did their bit to support the White Ribbon campaign - taking part in a Flash Mob event in Victoria Square the following day.

More than 30 of them were involved in the event, supported by St Helens Council's Teenage Pregnancy Service, which was also aimed at highlighting World AIDS day (1 December).

The performers ended their routine by moving into the shape of first a red ribbon (World AIDS day) and then a white one.

To see a video of the event go to www.sthelens.gov.uk/YAZ.