The Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner has voiced his support for an annual awareness day which aims to reduce violence against women and girls (VAWG).

White Ribbon Day aims to encourage men to challenge and change the behaviours and culture that cause VAWG, and it has received the backing of Matthew Barber.

He said: “I am pleased to be supporting White Ribbon Day.

"Crimes such as domestic abuse, rape and sexual violence, stalking and harassment, so-called honour-based abuse and digital crimes like revenge porn disproportionately affect women and girls.

“It is vital that we work to improve the safety of women and girls by effectively targeting perpetrators, improving outcomes in court and preventing VAWG from happening in the first place."

Projects such as Thames Valley Police’s Project Vigilant are focusing on the prevention of sexual violence in night-time economy by identifying and mitigating predatory behaviour.

An award from the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund will also drive initiatives to battle VAWG in Oxford, and other towns in Thames Valley, along with a £2.8 million grant from the Home Office’s ‘Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Interventions Fund’ for two other projects.

Mr Barber also spoke about the 'Do the Right Thing' campaign which urges men to report abusive behaviour.

He added: "Help is free and can be accessed regardless of when the crime took place or if it was reported to the police."