A CAMPAIGN aimed at ending violence against women will be highlighted over the next fortnight.

The 16 Days of Action initiative, beginning on Sunday and running until Monday, December 10, will be symbolised by white ribbons.

The white ribbon represents hope for a world where women and girls can live free from the fear of violence.

West Mercia Police is using the campaign to highlight the further use of Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs) across the force area.

Det Sgt Sharon Avery said: "West Mercia was one of three police forces across England to pilot the use of DVPOs, which were introduced last summer.

“We, along with Wiltshire Police and Greater Manchester Police, began applying for DVPOs through the courts to give victims of domestic abuse further support to escape their abusers.

"DVPOs have been used across Worcestershire to begin with and more recently we have started applying for the orders in other areas of the force to help protect more victims.”

DVPOs build on existing police measures, providing immediate emergency protection for a victim, giving protected space for them to explore the options available to them and make informed decisions regarding their safety.

DVPO powers allow the police to step in and protect a victim when they are at their most vulnerable in the immediate aftermath of an attack. The civil orders enable the police to exclude the alleged abusers from returning to the victim's home or having contact with the victim.

During the pilot period of the scheme in West Mercia - July 1, 2011 to June 25, 2012 - there were 33 DVPOs granted in court for Worcestershire. The total granted across West Mercia now stands at 51.

White ribbons are available from police station front counters across West Mercia during the Sixteen Days of Action.

For more information on DVPOs visit homeoffice.gov.uk/vawg. For Victim Support's Victim Care Unit call 0300 303 1977.

Anyone who believes they are experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence or knows someone who might be can obtain free and confidential advice 24 hours a day from the Worcestershire Women's Aid Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 980 3331 or the Men's Advice Line on 0808 801 0327.