White flowers have been planted in the shape of a ribbon across the borough.

The symbolic gesture is intended to raise awareness of domestic abuse and gendered violence.

These 'living white ribbons' mark the start of the 16 days of action, an international campaign that raises awareness of gender-based violence and abuse.

This campaign begins every year on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, and ends on December 10, Human Rights Day.

Councillor Kathy Hodson, Wirral's Champion for Domestic Abuse, said: "Violence against women and girls is and will always be completely unacceptable, yet the issue persists across the globe.

"In Wirral alone, 2,373 women were victims of domestic abuse just last year, with 50 per cent of these crimes being committed by a partner or ex-partner.

The flowers mark the start of 16 days of action (Image: Supplied) "This year, locally, we're marking the campaign by coming together with our partner organisations and community groups to share our support across a number of inspirational and empowering events, throughout the 16 days."

A launch event for women only is set to take place on November 25 at Tomorrow’s Women Wirral, Beckwith Street East, Birkenhead, between noon and 2pm.

An information event open to everyone will be held at Victoria Central Health Centre, Mill Lane, Wallasey, on November 26 between 1pm and 3pm.

Birkenhead Town Hall will be lit orange on November 25 and December 10 to mark the start and end of the 16 day period.

For more information on these events and others visit the Wirral council website.