This year’s White Ribbon 16 Days of Action campaign aims to ‘Shine a light on domestic abuse’.

North Ayrshire Council and its partners are again supporting the worldwide initiative which promotes an end to Violence Against Women and directly addresses men - so they understand the scale of the problem and become part of the solution.

Like last year, much of this year’s 16 days will involve a series of online videos and messages highlighting the issue and signposting people to avenues of help and support.

The 16 days campaign launched at Pitchers Nightclub on November 25, giving The North Ayrshire Violence Against Women Partnership and its many partners a chance to promote the ‘Ask for Angela’ initiative.

Originally launched in England in 2016, it is used by bars and other licensed venues to keep women safe from sexual assault by using a codeword to identify when they are in danger or find themselves in an uncomfortable situation.

A woman who believes themselves to be in danger can “Ask for Angela”, a fictitious member of staff.

“This will alert staff that there is a potential problem, and the woman needs help.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, Ambassador for White Ribbon Scotland, said: “This year also gives us a chance to promote the ‘Ask for Angela’ initiative.

“We hope to raise awareness of it amongst not only women who find themselves in a difficult and scary situation but also the staff and people who can recognise the code and help out.”

One of the highlights of the campaign will be the annual ‘Reclaim the Night’ walk.

This takes place in Irvine on Tuesday,7 December 7 from 5pm – 6.15pm, leaving from The Harbour Arts Centre and finishing at the Trinity Church steps, at the Bridgegate.