PEOPLE are being encouraged to pledge their support to an international event aimed at ending violence against women.

The 16 Days of Action campaign will be launched globally on Monday, November 25 and will run until Tuesday, December 10, organised locally by West Mercia Women’s Aid.

Organised nationally by the White Ribbon Campaign, it is being promoted locally by West Mercia Women’s Aid.

People can pledge their support by visiting web pages whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/Worcestershire or whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/Shropshire.

The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse was instrumental in setting up a dedicated area pledge page for Worcestershire, with a target of 10,000 pledges during the campaign.

Jan Frances, chief executive of West Mercia Women’s Aid, explained: “The 16 Days of Action was originally launched in Canada in 1991. The dates are symbolic in that November 25 is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and December 10 is International Human Rights Day.

“It’s an important event as it helps to highlight what can be done to tackle violence against women at a local level, supported by events and activities throughout the world.”

She concluded: “Thousands of people around the world are making a commitment to play their part in standing up to condemn violence against women. Join us locally by making your personal pledge to support the campaign.”