Teachers and support staff in the borough's schools have been offered training to help students targeted by stalking, relationship abuse and coercive control.

The move, which is supported by St Mary's University, Twickenham, and the Alice Ruggles Trust, is part of Richmond Council's commitment to the White Ribbon initiative.

White Ribbon is a global campaign that encourages people, and especially men and boys, to act and change the behaviour and culture that leads to abuse and violence.

The Council is accredited by the scheme and has organised a series of events as part of a 16-day campaign.

It is also hosting a 90-minute Community Conversation on Domestic Abuse, focusing on what people can do if they suspect someone is suffering from Domestic Abuse and what residents think the Council should be doing to tackle the issue.

Everyone in Richmond upon Thames is invited to register to attend.

Richmond Council's White Ribbon champion, Cllr Ben Khosa, said: "Gaining White Ribbon Accreditation is our public commitment to ending male violence against women in Richmond upon Thames.

"We will set out an action plan of commitments for the next three years which will involve ensuring all Council staff have the knowledge and skills to address violence against women, as well as empower local communities to help end male violence.

"This is an important first step and I look forward to increasing our efforts when we publish our Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy to drive forward improvements."

Anthea Sully, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK, said: "Our call to end violence by raising awareness, educating, and campaigning to bring about change is greatly strengthened by working together with our White Ribbon accredited organisations.

"We are delighted to welcome Richmond Council as one of our White Ribbon Accredited organisations. Together we can prevent violence happening in the first place."