A CAMPAIGN is urging for backing to end violence against women and children.

South Ayrshires Multi-Agency Partnership (Map) aim to eradicate the violence by getting local people to back the campaign.

The White Ribbon initiative runs for sixteen days from November 25 - December 10 in a bid to acknowledge, discuss and work together to tackle the serious issue.

The campaign has already generated substantial interest before the start date with several events already organised across the town. This will provide information and allow members of the public who are unaware of the campaign to ask questions or discuss issues they may have.

Well known faces such as Sunday Times best selling author Jasvinder Sanghera CBE will make the trip to Ayr on December 6 to discuss her experiences with forced marriage and the various abuse that is associated with the issue.

Furthermore, one of the main aspects of the campaign is to prevent future abuse as school children will be shown a thought-provoking DVD to help shape their attitudes on the issue.

The campaign has been backed by a host of local people including councillors who feel the issue must be discussed.

Councillor Laura Brennan - Chair of the Multi Agency Partnership said: “We want to reach out to as many people as possible during the 16 days and change the attitudes that let domestic abuse happen.

“We need to get people talking, only then will we realise the full extent of the problem. Nobody should have to endure domestic abuse in silence; there is support out there, but it can be hard to take those first few steps.

"We will continue to work with our partners to support as many people as possible and help change lives for the better.”

To find out what’s happening during the 16 days of action and to get involved go to www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/vaw/ and select ‘White Ribbon campaign’.