A charity that supports victims and witnesses of crime is urging people to tie white ribbons along the railings of its building in support of the Action to End Violence Against Women campaign.

The international campaign happens over 16 days per year and is a strategy by which individuals and organisations around the world call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

Victim Support Isle of Man is asking the public to take part in tying a white ribbon around the railings of its building on Albert Street.

Amber Oakley, marketing officer for the charity, said: ’This is the first time we’ve invited members of the public to come and tie a white ribbon on our building for the duration of the 16 days of action against women and girls, in the past we have focused more on raising awareness of the day with a post across social media.

’It’s important to take part as the White Ribbon promise is to "never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence to women", it’s asking the community to come together and say "no" to violence against women and that it must end.’

The charity said this was also in tribute to Ava White, a 12-year-old girl who was stabbed to death in Liverpool last week.

She was assaulted by four teenage boys, aged between 13 and 15, who have since been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Ms Oakley said: ’Ava White particularly struck a chord with us because she was so young at the age of 12 years old and her death was caused by violence on the first day of the international campaign, which is what this campaign is trying to stop.

’White Ribbon day was on November 25 which was also the first day of the 16 days of action, after the devastating news of Ava White, we saw that a lady on Facebook posted asking for advice on a place to display white ribbons in tribute to Ava and her family for the duration of the 16 days of action.

’We reached out and said that we would like to do this on the railings of our building as we support victims of crime of all ages and with it being a central location would be easy for people to come and show their support.’

Victim Support has asked people to only come after 5pm on weekdays and anytime on the weekends outside of office hours to respect the privacy of their clients.

The ribbons will be displayed for the duration of the 16 days which will end on the December 10.

Sixteen days was chosen because the time span includes three other major events, including International Human Rights Defenders Day, World Aids Day and the anniversary of the Montreal Ãcole Polytechnique Massacre - which all highlight the connection between human rights and domestic violence. The address is 6 Albert Street, Douglas.