Herefordshire Community Safety and Drugs Partnership and Hereford United Football Club have teamed up to help bring an end to domestic abuse in Herefordshire.
Activities will be taking place at Hereford's home match against Accrington on November 24 to highlight International White Ribbon Day on November 25.
Members of Herefordshire Community Safety and Drugs Partnership, staff from West Mercia Women's Aid and football club staff will be supporting the campaign by wearing white ribbons for the fixture. Ribbons will also be sold around the Edgar Street ground to Hereford and Accrington supporters before, during and after the match.
There will be an item placed in the match day programme explaining what the campaign is about, as well as messages going out over the tannoy and on the club's scoreboard during half time.
White Ribbon Day is an international event that aims to stop domestic abuse towards women. Anyone is able to buy and wear a white ribbon, however men are particularly encouraged to do so. By wearing the ribbon, men are pledging to never commit or remain silent about abuse against women.
Domestic abuse is any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse, including psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse. Sadly, domestic abuse is common and statistics from the national charity Women's Aid indicate that 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, and between 1 in 8 to 1 in 10 women experience it annually.
Geoff Hughes, Chair of Herefordshire Community Safety and Drugs Partnership, said: "Working with Hereford United has given us a valuable opportunity to get this crucial message out to a large number of people."
"Domestic abuse is an unacceptable and cowardly crime that cuts across all sections of society, often behind closed doors.
"Those affected by domestic abuse may find it difficult to approach others for help. However, everyone has the right to live in a safe and secure environment, and if you are a victim of domestic abuse or know someone who is, there is help available," he added.
Those affected can contact West Mercia Women's Aid on 0800 783 1359 or visit http://www.womensaid.org.uk/