AT least one in three women have been beaten, coerced into sex, or abused in their lifetime.

On top of this, it is estimated that 85,000 women are raped in England and Wales each year.

These shocking figures, available from West Mercia Women's Aid and the Office for National Statistics, are just some of the motivation behind the White Ribbon Campaign, which begins today.

The campaign — part of the national 16 Days of Action — raises awareness of sexual violence and domestic abuse and urges men to pledge never to condone or accept violence against women in any form.

Jocelyn Anderson, the chief officer for the West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre, said: "Sexual violence in its many different forms has been at the forefront of the media recently — hardly a day goes by without a report on the sexual exploitation of children, rape and/or childhood sexual abuse. Cases like Ched Evans, Jimmy Saville and others have focused attention on a subject that most people do not want to discuss. Sexual violence and abuse has been going on for years and unless we properly address it, it will continue to do so."

Although the international campaign focusses on women, it is estimated that one in six men will experience domestic abuse and that between April 2012 and March 2013, there have been 4,442 incidents involving separate children.

Martin Lakeman, strategic co-ordinator for the Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence, said: “The dates are symbolic in that November 25 is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and December 10, the end of the campaign, is International Human Rights Day.

“It’s an important event as it helps to highlight what can be done to tackle violence against men, women and children at a local level, supported by events and activities throughout the world. The message is simple — do not suffer in silence.”

The National Centre for the Study and Prevention of Violence and Abuse, based at the University of Worcester, is hosting a free debate this morning on the proposed introduction of the new Domestic Violence Bill.

This will be followed by a fundraising walk in memory of Lynda Bellingham, who died in October and who launched the centre earlier this year.

Worcester City Football Club and Worcester Wolves Basketball Team have already pledged their support.

This year it is hoped that 10,000 pledges of support to say no to domestic abuse and sexual violence will be made in Worcestershire alone. To make your pledge visit www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/worcestershire.