POLICE and council bosses will stand shoulder-to-shoulder to combat domestic violence.

Bosses from councils across Greater Manchester, including Bolton, Greater Manchester Police’s chief constable Peter Fahy, police and crime commissioner Tony Lloyd, deputy crime commissioner, Jim Battle, and Cllr David Acton, chairman of Greater Manchester Fire Authority have all signed the promise.

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Cliff Morris, said: “Violence against women is unacceptable. We are working with our partners to end it completely through a programme of activity throughout November and December in Bolton, including the launch of a pop-up shop and a series of workshops.

“We hope that this will encourage more men to condemn domestic violence and take a stand against it, while the support and advice provided by the pop-up shop will hopefully encourage more women to come forward and report domestic violence and receive the appropriate support.”

The pledge comes at the end of an awareness month led by Mr Lloyd to encourage victims to seek help and support.

Police saw reports of domestic abuse increase by 1,715 compared to the previous year. And nationally one in four women is expected to experience domestic abuse with two women being killed each week by a partner.

In 13 per cent of reports to police a man is the victim.

Victim Support has launched a scheme to offer victims support when they come to hospital and Clare’s Law, which enables people to check the criminal record of their partner, will be rolled out nationally and young people held a question and answer session with Mr Lloyd.

Mr Lloyd said: “I hope the activity we’ve done over the past month will give victims the confidence to come forward and report domestic abuse. Help is out there — please get it.

“You don’t need to suffer in silence. I promise you — you are not alone.”

People can take a stand against domestic violence by signing the promise here.