Dover Town Council is set the achieve White Ribbon status, confirming its stance against violence towards women and girls.

While there is know to be a spike in domestic violence at Christmas the authority stresses this initiative applies for all times of the year and is also for non-domestic abuse.

White Ribbon UK works with men and boys to challenge those male cultures that lead to harassment, abuse and violence.

Special ambassadors work to call out this behaviour and promote equality and respect.

The status for the authority follows a report from Cllr Chris Precious and a vote by the full council.

Domestic violence is on the increase in the UK with six out of every seven victims being women and nine out of every 10 offenders being men.

The town council joins 100 other public sector organisations supporting White Ribbon and backed up its commitment with a budget of up to £1,000 to complete an accreditation plan.

This includes identifying White Ribbon Ambassadors to train and develop the campaign and act as local mentors.

Another is encouraging all the town the town council to sign the pledge: "Never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women and girls."

A tirld part of the plan is displaying appropriate information promoting and raising awareness about respectful relationships and abuse.

A fourth is training and awareness-raising event involves the local community and the council at all levels.

The United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls was on November 25, as was White Ribbon Day.