Monmouthshire County Council is to sponsor a 7-a-side rugby tournament for young people later this month to raise awareness about the devastating and far reaching effects of violence against women.

The council is particularly concerned to focus on the younger generation as, according to the British Crime Survey, it's among the 16 to 24 age range that abuse is most prolific.

The tournament will be held on 25th November, acknowledged by the United Nations as International Day for the Eliminating Violence Against Women. The venue will be confirmed nearer to the event which invites teams of boys and girls aged 16 to 19 from the county's four comprehensive schools, private schools and neighbouring colleges.

The council hopes to gain support from the Newport Gwent Dragons regional rugby team, the Welsh Rugby Union and past and present stars including local resident Scott Quinnell.

To demonstrate their commitment to the cause the council's male staff are to be urged to wear a white ribbon on 25th November. The White Ribbon Campaign was created in direct support of International Day for the Eliminating Violence Against Women to encourage men to actively oppose violence to women and girls by pledging their backing and wearing a white ribbon.  It is led by men who are willing to take a stand and be positive role models to other men in the community.

Monmouthshire County Council achieved the White Ribbon Accreditation Award last July and has already taken steps to recruit White Ribbon Ambassadors.  These are men who are committed to the principles of the White Ribbon Campaign and are positive role models, conveying these principles and important messages to others in the community.  Among those enlisted are Council Leader Peter Fox, Opposition Leader Dimitri Batrouni, Deputy Leader Phil Hobson, all male staff in the council's youth service and a number of others across all sectors.

Councillor Fox said: "I'm proud to act as a White Ribbon Ambassador, believing, as does the majority of society, that the abuse of women and girls is abhorrent and should not be tolerated. As leaders within our organisation and within our communities we should do all we can to encourage other men to stand up and speak out about this".

Councillor Phil Hobson, cabinet member with responsibility for equalities added: "The idea of a rugby tournament for 16 to 19 year olds acknowledges that violence to women is particularly prevalent among the younger generation.  We want to send a powerful message that whatever the circumstances it is totally unacceptable for men to mistreat and abuse women."