A council is backing a national campaign calling for an end to violence against women and girls.

Buckinghamshire Council is supporting White Ribbon Day, which takes place every year on November 25, and raises awareness of violence against women and girls.

This year’s theme, "We Speak Up," urges men and boys to challenge sexist or harmful behaviour that could escalate into harassment, stalking, or abuse.

Steve Bowles, the council's cabinet member for communities, said: "As an accredited White Ribbon Organisation, we take a zero-tolerance approach to domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

This year’s campaign includes a focus on stalking awareness and identifying warning signs.

"Statistics tell us that 57 people experience domestic abuse in Buckinghamshire every day, and that’s 57 too many.

"If we all learn to recognise the warning signs, we can tackle domestic abuse at the first opportunity or even stop it before it starts.

"We are dedicated to raising awareness so that residents know how to spot the signs of domestic abuse and VAWG, and have the confidence to speak up and the knowledge to signpost victims to appropriate support.

"Please stand with us and the victims, and take the White Ribbon Promise 'to never use, excuse or remain silent about violence against women and girls'.

"Together we can help provide the safe environment we strive for, and we can do this by speaking up if something doesn’t feel right."

It comes after Buckinghamshire Domestic Abuse Board held its annual conference on November 17, centred on recognising and responding to stalking.

More than 120 professionals attended the event, including Clive Ruggles, the father of Alice Ruggles, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2016.

The council is working with Thames Valley Police and local partners to promote the ‘Think FOUR’ model for identifying stalking behaviour.

The model urges people to consider whether behaviour is Fixated, Obsessed, Unwanted, and Repeated.

If all four apply, and the behaviour has occurred more than once, it is considered stalking and should be reported.

As part of its ongoing commitment, the council is offering free ‘Tackling and preventing Domestic Abuse’ training courses, open to everyone.

Those affected by domestic abuse, or who know someone who is, can contact the Buckinghamshire Domestic Abuse Services Helpline at 01296 437777.

Further information and resources are available on the Buckinghamshire Domestic Abuse Partnership website.