MEN across North Ayrshire are being asked to support a campaign to end violence against women. The annual White Ribbon 16 Days of Action campaign is now underway with a host of events taking place locally. The initiative is supported by the Council, Police, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, NHS, schools, HM Coastguard and Kilwinning Sports Club. And 16 local men from the a host of different backgrounds showed their support by becoming the faces of a Council Twitter and poster campaign. A march in Irvine entitled ‘Claiming Back the Night’ officially marked the launch last Wednesday. A host of supporters of the campaign, including survivors of abuse, made the walk in a show of solidarity towards women affected by violence. During the 16 days of activity there will be a range of events which highlight the support available to those faced with domestic violence. A short play, featuring five budding young actors, and directed by local actor Steven Duffy, focused on domestic abuse and the affect it can have on young people. Other important issues raised in the drama include alcohol, bullying, interpersonal violence, road safety and anti-sectarianism. The play is part of a project called Streetwise2 which is a partnership between Police Scotland, North Ayrshire Women’s Aid, Ardrossan Academy, Ardrossan Youth Association and Community Development. It was showcased at the HAC as part of Wednesday’s launch along with a short firm produced by local filmmakers and a reading from a young women from a children’s story she had written and illustrated. Councillor Ruth Maguire, Chair of the Violence Against Women Partnership, said: “The White Ribbon Campaign asks men and boys across the community to pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about men’s violence against women. “Our message is that it’s everybody’s business and we want to involve everyone when trying to end violence against women. “What we want to achieve is to raise awareness and for more people to know that this is real problem and that they can help. “Making the pledge is an acknowledgement that violence against women is not a women’s issue. Male supporters can make a real difference in tacking this problem by leading by example with their own actions and calling out friends or family members if they see them behaving inappropriately.” More information on the programme of activities within North Ayrshire is on whiteribboncampaign.co.uk.