Getting men to support a campaign to reduce violence towards women will see Norwich get expert help in tackling domestic violence.

The White Ribbon Status Award is for groups which wish to show commitment to the aims of the White Ribbon Campaign (WRC), by involving men in increasing awareness to reduce domestic violence.

At a Norwich City Council meeting today, the Green Party will call on the council to pass a motion which would see the council sign up to the campaign.

The motion will be put forward by Adrian Holmes, representing Mancroft, and seconded by Samir Jeraj, who represents Town Close.

Mr Holmes said: 'I hope other councillors sign up because it is an extremely important issue. Domestic violence takes a terrible toll on society.

'It is about men recognising that there is a problem in society. The root of the problem is the idea that men control women.'

Charity Women's Aid believes one in four women suffers some domestic violence in their lifetime.

By signing up to the campaign the council would be expected to stamp out attacks on women through talks at schools and libraries, give training to their own staff about it and run counselling for men who have been convicted of domestic violence crimes.

Lesley Grahame, who represents Thorpe Hamlet ward and has a special interest in domestic violence having worked as a volunteer on a rape crisis line, said: 'Joining the White Ribbon Campaign is a cost-effective way of bringing in outside expertise.'

To report domestic abuse to Norfolk police phone 999 in an emergency or 101.

Do you have a story about domestic violence? Contact reporter Kim Briscoe on 01603 772419 or you can email kim.briscoe@archant.co.uk