The people of Suffolk are being urged to get behind this year’s White Ribbon campaign.

It’s the movement for men working to end violence against women.

And at the Suffolk launch of the campaign yesterday, the international day against abuse to women, the message was clear; do not condone it, do not ignore it, do not commit it.

Councillor Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for public protection said: “Domestic violence is a terrible crime that can ruin the lives of victims and their families.

“I am proud to support the White Ribbon campaign and I want others to join me in sending out a strong message this year – we will never commit, condone or remain silent about men’s violence against women.”

Tim Passmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk said: “It is a regrettable reflection on our society that domestic abuse and domestic violence is so prevalent.

“It is an appalling crime; it ruins the lives of victims and has a devastating impact on their families.

“Sadly children caught up in such situations, can be severely traumatised and the effects stay with them for life.

“I am very proud to support the White Ribbon campaign and I’d ask everyone to join me in not condoning this dreadful crime.”

Councillor Jenny Antill, chairman of the Suffolk Domestic Abuse Forum said: “Our joint aim through this campaign is to achieve a genuine reduction in domestic abuse and repeat victimisation, and increase the safety of those experiencing all forms of abuse.

“It is important that people get help as soon as they can. If you think someone you know is affected there is help out there for them.

“We want as many people as possible to join us in saying no to violence against women.

“Make a pledge today to never commit, condone or remain silent about men’s violence against women.”

The Suffolk Domestic Abuse Forum are inviting men to make their pledge to the campaign by submitting a head and shoulders photograph of themselves with one of the movement’s messages.

The photographs will be used to create a display at the end of the campaign.

Choose one of ‘I don’t condone it’, ‘I don’t ignore it’ or ‘I don’t remain silent’ as your message and write it on a white sheet of A4 paper.

Then email it to community.safety@suffolk.gov.uk or share it with @SaferSuffolk on Twitter.

A short film has also been produced exposing some of the statistics around domestic violence – you can see it at the top of the page.