Labour Councillors in Crewe have praised local groups in the work they do around domestic abuse, to mark the annual White Ribbon Day campaign, which was set up to raise awareness of domestic abuse and aims to tackle specifically violence against women by men.

Cllr Laura Smith, who represents Crewe South posted on her Facebook page: "There has been a significant increase in violence, harassment and abuse towards women over lockdown nationally.

"At the Children and Families Scrutiny Committee at Cheshire East on Monday we watched an incredibly moving video made by survivors of abuse, we also heard updates of the work happening in this area to tackle domestic abuse.

"I questioned the challenges facing funding in the future and it is apparent that challenge is significant.

"We must have commitment from the government to fund local authorities and the police adequately to make sure victims are supported."

Cllr Anthony Critchley, who represents Crewe Central shared the White Ribbon Day pledge on his Twitter feed: "I am committed to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women. Working towards a future where domestic abuse is no longer an issue in our

society."

Before talking about the work of MyCWA (Cheshire Without abuse): "In September, I was lucky enough to visit the MyCWA facilities in Crewe.

"Their expertise and holistic approach to families, including working with the perpetrator of abuse is inspiring and helps so many people in our

community to lead healthy lives.

"Whether it is coercive behaviour or physical violence, it should not

be tolerated.

"Initiatives like the White Ribbon Campaign put the issue into the public consciousness and allow us to give thanks to groups like MyCWA who work with affected families all year round."

Newly selected candidate for the upcoming Crewe West By-Election, Connor Naismith has also supported the White Ribbon Day Campaign, stating on his Facebook campaign page: "Today is a day for raising awareness about family violence, I have arranged to meet with Cheshire Without Abuse next week to discuss how I can support their vital work locally."

Cllr Sally Handley represents Crewe St Barnabas and is the Mental Health Champion on the Borough's Authority: "I completely support the White Ribbon Day campaign.

"Domestic abuse doesn't just affect the lives of families suffering at the time, but can have severe, lasting effects for victims, perpetrators and children for years.

"I have spoken to residents in this town who suffer from anxiety when they hear loud noises, lack of confidence when it comes to speaking to people in public and these are years after being involved in a controlling relationship.

"The work that MyCWA do to empower victims and to understand perpetrators to turn their lives around is invaluable. Domestic abuse has to stop, now."

Labour's David Keane, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Cheshire has made a funding pot that will be available across the County.

Earlier this week he announced a programme that targets behaviour change of perpetrators, working with the whole family to understand and address needs and tackle underlying issues.

The scheme will be funded by the Home Office after the PCC secured

£233,000 in funding from their perpetrator programme fund. He is also adding an additional £100,000 which will be delivered in all four local authority areas across Cheshire.

For more information on the White Ribbon Day campaign, you can look online.

More information about the MyCWA charity can also be found online.

You can contact the Cheshire East domestic abuse support service on the number below:

Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Hub – 0300 123 5101

For support and advice, call Cheshire Police on 101 or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. In an emergency, where there is a threat to life or a crime is taking place, call 999.