AHEAD of an international campaign to stop male violence against women, representatives from across Warrington gathered to discuss the pioneering work they are doing to tackle domestic abuse.

Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner is raising awareness of how domestic abuse can affect anyone in our society ahead of White Ribbon Day on Sunday.

David Keane brought partners and dignitaries together at Stockton Heath Police Station on Monday to discuss how anyone can become a victim of domestic abuse and how organisations across the county can work together to tackle it.

It is part of a week-long campaign by the commissioner to reduce the stigma of domestic abuse which will see him visit service providers across Cheshire including a visit to a women’s refuge.

Maria Guidera, domestic abuse coordinator at Warrington Borough Council, gave a talk on the 'Do you feel what I feel' toolkit for pre-school children.

The project emerged out of a partnership between the council, Cheshire Without Abuse and Barnado's to improve the social and emotional development of three to five-year-olds.

Made up of three play-based activities, stories and characterised scenarios brought to life in the form of a soft sock toy, the toolkit has been designed to support young children to identify the safe adults to whom they can articulate their feelings and fears.

Maria said: "A major part of the toolkit is encouraging children to express their feelings and emotions to a safe adult.

"There are clear messages about safety that can be difficult to talk about and may not be otherwise be discussed with children under school age."

Representatives from Cheshire Without Abuse, LGBT+ charity Body Positive, Warrington's Integrated Anti-Stalking Unit, restorative justice service Remedi and domestic abuse teams from Cheshire’s local authorities showcased the work they do to support victims of domestic abuse and manage the risks caused by perpetrators.

Mr Keane said: “I am proud to be an ambassador for the White Ribbon campaign which aims to end male violence against women. But I want to raise awareness that anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse irrespective of their gender or personal characteristics.

“Abusive behaviour can occur in any relationship and there is a higher prevalence of abuse among vulnerable people. This abuse can get worse over time and can range from physical violence to emotional, physical, sexual, financial or psychological abuse.

“As a representative for victims of crime and vulnerable people across Cheshire, I want to stand together with all the organisations that work hard to support victims of domestic abuse and manage the risks caused by perpetrators to stamp-out this issue in society.”

Last month, the commissioner launched a new initiative to change attitudes and behaviour associated with domestic abuse across Cheshire. The Open the Door campaign aims to bring the issue into the open by starting a conversation and removing the stigma of it being a hidden issue.

The campaign is a collaboration between Cheshire Police and the four local authorities in Cheshire. It is the first time they have all joined forces to provide information for residents to access around what help and support is available to them locally.

David added: “We want Cheshire businesses to use the Open the Door campaign to support and signpost their employees to services if and when they need support."

To find out more about the Open the Door campaign, visit www.openthedoorcheshire.org.uk