FOR the next fortnight, a campaign will take a stand with women who have been the victims of rape or sexual and domestic violence.

The 16 Days of Action — also called the White Ribbon Campaign — which runs from today until December 10, highlights how widespread violence against women and girls is across the county and the UK as a whole.

Figures, available from West Mercia Women's Aid and the Office for National Statistics, show that at least one in three women have been beaten, coerced into sex, or abused in their lifetime and on top of this, it is estimated that 85,000 women are raped in England and Wales each year.

Over the past few weeks, your Worcester News has featured stories asking men to pledge to never condone violence against women.

On the launch of the campaign, the University of Worcester has made its pledge to stand against abuse at a special event.

Entitled 'From peace in the home to peace in the world: make education safe for all’, the event — organised by the National Centre for the Study and Prevention of Violence and Abuse — discussed gender-based violence and education.

It also saw firefighters from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service deliver Christmas presents they had collected to give to children in refuges, who may be fleeing situations involving domestic violence.

Martin Lakeman, strategic co-ordinator for the Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence, said: "Worcestershire fully supports the ethos of the 16 Days of Action campaign and is working hard locally to raise awareness and open up the channels of communication regarding what is so often a hidden issue.

“We are heartened by the level of support and interest that the campaign receives locally. We work hard all year round to raise awareness of the misery that domestic abuse and sexual violence causes to families and individuals throughout Worcestershire, and events such as these really helps bring it to the forefront of people’s minds. Raising awareness of what is so often a hidden issue is vital in addressing — and ultimately overcoming — abuse. The simple message is, do not suffer in silence.

"During the campaign we will share some of the excellent work that goes on across Worcestershire, highlighting the services available to those suffering and celebrating some of our collective successes. Finally, once again this year any monies raised or donated will go towards running the helplines in Worcestershire which provide lifesaving help and support."