AFC BOURNEMOUTH will support organisation White Ribbon to help prevent violence against women and girls.

The charity engages men and boys to prevent violence, with the club set to support White Ribbon Day on Monday, November 25.

Staff and different age groups at the academy will get training on this, as well as additional coverage of their safeguarding responsibilities, along with the roles they play in modelling allyship.

In partnership with BCP Council, the club will host an event at the Vitality Stadium focusing on misogyny, violence against women and girls and health relationships.

This will be delivered by Solve for secondary school students.

The white ribbon represents men taking responsibility to challenge this issue, and it will be worn by staff at the game against Brighton and Hove Albion.

More information will also be available in the matchday programme and on the big screens.

The club released a video last night on social media to mark the start of a wider campaign led by the club, which will aim to challenge and educate people on the topic.

It has been produced by the club in collaboration with White Ribbon, BCP Council and Dorset Police.

AFC Bournemouth president of business operations Jim Frevola said: "We are pledging our commitment to White Ribbon Day to raise awareness of the worrying and increasing trend of violence against women and girls in our society.

"Let me be clear, this is not simply an AFC Bournemouth issue, or a football issue; this affects so many people in so many walks of life, and we feel it is important that we use our voice.

"The wide-ranging campaign ties into our year-long celebration of women, which forms part of the club's long-term strategy to acknowledge and promote the various under-represented groups within our supporter base.”

The Cherries have been working with the police to ensure women’s safety at the club is of paramount importance.

This has led to the introduction of two female operational football officers, who will be at all the Cherries games.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council’s call for a whole-system approach that seeks to reduce the scale and impact of violence against women and girls.

Dorset Police assistant chief constable Mark Callaghan said: “Tackling violence against women and girls remains a key priority for Dorset Police.

“As we mark White Ribbon Day, we are keen to work with all our partner organisations, including AFC Bournemouth, to raise awareness of these issues and send a clear message that we will do all we can to support victims, improve criminal justice outcomes and protect women and girls from harm.

“We are grateful to the football club for its support in spreading this key message and by working together we can help to highlight the support that is out there and the commitment of partners across Dorset to dealing with this important issue.”

Councillor Kieron Wilson, portfolio holder for housing and regulatory services at BCP Council, said: “BCP Council is committed to preventing violence against women and girls and our recent White Ribbon accreditation underscores our efforts to create a safer environment for everyone. Tackling this issue requires collective action, and I am proud that BCP Council is collaborating closely with Dorset Police and community partners such as AFC Bournemouth in a united front.

“In partnership with AFC Bournemouth, we are organising events across the BCP area to help educate our young people about the prevention of violence against women and girls, misogyny, and unhealthy relationships. With the support of our partners, we aim to empower young men in our communities to develop healthy models of masculinity that reflect their values.”

The club recognises that this topic may be difficult for some, but signposted people to the White Ribbon website for more information on finding help.

STARS is a Dorset-based charity that offers one-to-one support to anyone in the area who has experienced any sort of sexual violence.

BCHA work to help survivors of domestic abuse escape and recover from the traumatic experiences they have had, and to help them stay safe.

To report incidents to Dorset Police, visit the force’s website or call 101 for non-emergency enquiries.

If there is immediate danger to life, someone is using or threatening violence, or a crime is taking place, call 999.